Club 85 has been a live music venue in Hitchin since 1985. Since 2026 it has been run by Club 85 CIC, a community interest company.
The room
300 capacity. Proper stage, loud PA, big light rig. Bar 85: big screen sport, pool, jukebox.
Our story
Bob Mardon has run the music at Club 85 for 25 years: more than 3,000 shows and 10,000 bands, including early gigs by Enter Shikari, James Bay, Don Broco and The Subways. He is also one of the people behind Rhythms of the World, Hitchin’s world music festival, and Club 85 is its home.
In 2023 Club 85 was earmarked for closure. Bob started the Battle Fund, more than 600 people backed it, and in 2026 Club 85 CIC took over.
Run for the community
Club 85 CIC is a community interest company, run for the community. What it makes is invested back into the club and into nurturing new talent.
Local and new bands get a stage here, and charities and community groups can use the room. Get in touch.
House policy
Club 85 is a safe, inclusive space for everyone. We have zero tolerance for hateful behaviour, including racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, sexism, antisemitism and xenophobia. Anyone behaving like that will be asked to leave, and we reserve the right to cancel any booking that breaches this.
Photo: Jane Evans Photography
Photo: Jane Evans Photography
Photo: Jane Evans Photography