It's the beloved live music venue which has hosted everyone from Hollywood superstar Steven Seagal to The Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts during its 30 years in business. 

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, rocker and activist Bob Geldof, celebrated singer songwriter Billy Bragg and folk hero Marcus Mumford are among thousands of musicians to have graced the stage at The Brook.

The two-tier, 600 capacity venue attracts music lovers from across the South to a beautiful Victorian building in an unassuming corner of Portswood where director Nick Lewis and his team book big names, up and coming stars and local heroes. 

Daily Echo: The Brook at night

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It was in 1994 when Nick's Dad Bryn, who had previously run pubs like Aggie Greys and The Maple Leaf, had a vision for the student pub on Portswood Road to become a live music venue similar to The Mean Fiddler in London.

Audiences and artists alike enjoyed the intimate concert space, fantastic acoustics and unrivalled sight lines.

Daily Echo: Inside The Brook

Nick spent the early days living above the venue and working there part time while he studied.

He told the Daily Echo: "From the days when I lived over the premises to now, I've lived and breathed it. I grew up with The Brook and obviously I'm very keen to carry it on and protect my Dad's legacy. I want to make sure it's here for another 30 years so a whole other generation can enjoy live music here.

"There are often blood, sweat and tears, but it's worth it.

"It's certainly a labour of love but it's important to me because of the connections to my family and my Dad."

Daily Echo: Taylor Hawkins on stage at The Brook

Nick was part of the consortium which saved The Brook from administration in 2007 and, when he left IBM in 2016, made the decision to come on board to help his Dad and business partner Dylan Clarke. 

Bryn Lewis passed away suddenly in early 2017, but his legacy continues despite the challenges of the pandemic and cost of living crisis since. 

A successful collaboration with nearby Vinilo Record Store has seen the likes of Years & Years and Passenger unveil new music at The Brook and it's now regularly used as a wedding venue and for corporate events like the B&Q Christmas bash.

Daily Echo: Bill Wyman and Eddie Floyd at The Brook

Coming up are slots for Reneé Rapp of Mean Girls fame, an album launch for Dizzee Rascal and the return of Seth Lakeman. 

Plans are afoot for a festival style 30th birthday party in October but, for now, The Brook is taking part in independent venue week this weekend. 

Daily Echo: The Brook in Portswood