The Students’ Union announced on Instagram that the much-beloved Northfield Bar will be closed. In an August publication, the Union stated that incoming changes included “Northfield Bar is closed for 2025–26” and that “Room 76 is becoming part of Falmer Bar.” The bar’s final opening was in late May, several weeks before the closure was officially announced. It’s worth noting that Northfield Bar closes every year in May as part of its usual schedule.
The news has caused disappointment among the student community, especially older students who may have become long-term patrons. Since opening in 2018, Northfield Bar rapidly gained notoriety as a hub and “third space” for students within the neighbourhood and surrounding areas of the University of Sussex campus. The venue redeveloped the Northfield study space into a functioning taproom.
Over time, the area also gained a range of arcade games and activities – from table football to Street Fighter – adding to the speakeasy atmosphere of the space.
The social space was packed with television screens, and its licence to show various sports channels made it a popular spot for football fans. However, the Sky/BT Sport package has now moved to Falmer Bar, which has separate rooms and can show multiple fixtures simultaneously, unlike Northfield. Falmer Bar is also open all day and has a later licence, allowing it to host late-night events without disrupting local residents. All of Northfield’s popular events – including quiz nights, karaoke sessions, and major cultural screenings—have now been moved to Falmer Bar.
Photo: Stephen Hyeseong Jang
Over its seven-year run, Northfield Bar became known for its themed nights. Quiz nights and karaoke sessions, on Tuesday and Sunday nights respectively, proved popular, bringing students together from across the Falmer area. Individual events celebrating cultural occasions, such as the Super Bowl, the Oscars, or U.S. elections, would often run late into the early hours.
The closure comes amid wider financial challenges across the university sector, including rising costs and reduced funding. Sussex, like many universities, faces ongoing economic pressures, with recent high inflation increasing operating costs and reducing the value of staff wages. Many higher education institutions, including the University of Sussex, have cited underfunding as a factor exacerbating these challenges. These issues have led to cost-saving measures as the university works to maintain its reputation as a world-leading institution, which remains ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide for 2026, according to QS rankings.
Looking ahead to the next academic year, it has not yet been reported whether the former Northfield social space will have alternative uses, meaning there is still a possibility for one-off events. Meanwhile, Room 76 and Falmer Bar are expected to accommodate former Northfield patrons and sports fans.
Other changes within the Students’ Union include the upgrading and expansion of gym facilities in the new Active Arches, which are run by Sussex Sport, not the SU, and the reorganisation of the former Students’ Union merchandise store. The new Liberation Live initiative, founded by Ella and Jay, aims to bring live music back to the Union, featuring local and student bands. All Liberation Live events will be held monthly within Falmer House.
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