Independent London music venue Matchstick Piehouse has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help it stay open.

With the venue having suddenly shut its doors last week, its operators have since revealed that rent arrears were behind the unexpected closure and that the landlord had sent bailiffs to the venue after a late payment. The landlord has now demanded that £36,000 be paid by the end of this week, or Matchstick Piehouse will be forced to leave its current home. The team behind the venue are negotiating for more time to raise the required money, but have set up a Crowdfunder in the meantime.

Based in Deptford, Southeast London, Matchstick Piehouse opened in 2018 and has since become a hub for the area's creative community, hosting shows by the likes of Goat Girl and resident Liv Wynter, as well as the acclaimed weekly jazz improv night Steam Down, which shares its name with the collective that run it. In addition to music events, the venue hosts poetry nights, theatre shows and music workshops.

The venue's booker, Louise MacPhail, said in a statement: "Matchstick Piehouse is a very special place and has been so crucial in the development of many scenes in Southeast London. We have a rule not to book any cis straight white male bands and instead give platform to underrepresented groups. This makes the Piehouse an invaluable asset to the London music and nightlife scene. It's a home to so many people and it would be devastating for it to be shut down."

Goat Girl added their own collective thoughts, saying: "Matchstick Piehouse is one of our favourite places to go watch music in London. We've always felt really welcomed in the space; lots of familiar faces looking out for one another trying to create a special and accessible night where everyone can enjoy themselves. We've seen some incredible performers and have played many a sweaty show and can't really imagine what DIY music in Southeast London would look like without it!"

You can read more about the situation, and donate to the venue's Crowdfunder here.