Popworld is set to close its third nightclub in just a few weeks, with the Bournemouth venue shutting its doors on March 15 after two years of operation in the city. The closure is part of owner Stonegate’s move to sell over 1,000 pubs and bars across Britain to reduce debt.

This announcement follows the recent closure of a Popworld nightclub in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, after eight years. Last year, the chain sold venues in Portsmouth, Bristol, Watford, and Chelmsford, some of which have reopened under new management.

Known for its nostalgic playlist of 1990s and 2000s ‘cheesy pop’ hits, Popworld currently operates 34 venues nationwide. The closure of the Bournemouth location was teased on the club’s Facebook page, thanking patrons for their support over the past two years and hinting at upcoming changes.

Stonegate Group, the parent company of Popworld, Slug & Lettuce, and Be At One, is looking to sell more pubs after acquiring rival Ei Group in 2019, which led to substantial debt. The Night Time Industries Association reported a 37% decrease in late-night businesses in the UK between 2020 and 2025, urging for protection of key nightclub venues to prevent further closures by 2029 due to financial challenges and shifting consumer behaviors.