Southend’s last big nightclub to shut down after seven years of ‘memories’

MooMoo nightclub, Southend city centre’s largest and most well-known nightlife venue, is set to close its doors for good on Saturday 5th July 2025.

The venue, which opened in 2018, took over the former Mayhem Nightclub site on Warrior Square. For the past seven years, MooMoo has played a key role in the city’s night-time economy, drawing in students, partygoers and weekend crowds with its multi-room layout and themed club nights.

The club is operated by Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company. In Southend, the group also owns Popworld nightclub, Slug and Lettuce in the High Street, and The Alex pub near Southend Central station.

Lisa Clarkson, a Southend resident, commented: “It’s such a shame that Southend has just the one nightclub remaining and being honest it’s not the classiest of venues (Popworld)! I think I was lucky being spoilt for choice with venues throughout the 1990s.”

Others shared more troubling memories. Dani Gates said: “I got spiked in MooMoos years ago – I couldn’t stand walk or talk, couldn’t open my eyes. They carried me up the stairs and threw me out. I ended up being taken to hospital by police.”

In a statement confirming the closure, MooMoo said:
“It is with the deepest of regret that we announce MooMoo Clubrooms Southend will be closing its doors for the final time, with our last night taking place on Saturday 5th July.
“After 7 incredible years, it’s time to say goodbye to a venue that’s been at the heart of Southend nightlife – a place where memories were made, friendships formed, and countless legendary moments played out on the dancefloor.
“We want to say an enormous thank you to every single person who made MooMoo what it was – our managers, DJs, promo teams, cleaners, bar staff, pot staff, door staff, receptionists, promoters, and every single team member who gave their time, passion, and energy. You made this place more than just a venue. You made it feel like family.
“And to all of you who walked through our doors over the years – from freshers to final years, birthdays to breakups, big nights out to spontaneous last-minute ones – thank you for making MooMoo your home on the dancefloor.”

The closure marks another step in the steady decline of Southend’s once-thriving nightclub scene. Over the past two decades, the city has lost several major venues including TALK, Churchills, Zinc, Chameleon, Bakers Bar and Element. With MooMoo closing, Popworld remains the last nightclub standing.