Soho’s iconic music venue Peel Fresco Music Lounge has closed its doors in late August after 15 years of hosting live performances in the city. Opened in 2007, the venue frequently hosted renowned artists from the Hong Kong jazz scene, such as Allen Youngblood, Sybil Thomas, Eugene Pao, Ted Lo, Teriver Cheung, Nate Wong, and showcased many visiting international artists and young local talents over the years.

In a statement on Facebook, owners of Peel Fresco said that “government’s live performance ban and insufficient subsidies” have resulted in the decision to shut the venue’s doors permanently. The message adds: “Live music was our blood, our core business for all these years, accounting for 90% of our revenue: we couldn’t suddenly turn our place into a tacos joint or a fancy steakhouse…”

Reacting to the announcement, regulars called the closure “heartbreaking”. Peel Fresco – you will be sorely missed!