We caught up with The Cause ’ s Venue Manager about Costa Del Tottenham , issues faced throughout the pandemic and what ’ s in store for the future .
Warehouse development , June 2021
How did Costa Del Tottenham start ? taking measures , albeit the wrong ones . The dance music and club scene seems to have had a way harder time than other areas . Where the business receiving help to cope is concerned ,
The very first Costa Del Tottenham started a while back as I understand . They basically put a paddling pool outside with some fake grass on the floor . A bit pants compared to what we have now . The true CDT started off the back of the first lockdown back in 2020 , when it was clear that The Cause was not going to be operational for the foreseeable . They had lots of outdoors space that could be utilised instead . Over the year they have gradually improved and expanded the spaces so that now we have a pretty decent setting for people to party in while socially distanced and sat down which was key in venues being able to operate .
What are some of the challenges CDT has faced ?
The main challenges have been enforcing the Covid safety guidelines , socially distanced , sat down , small groups etc . One of the biggest issues has been operating a dance music venue and telling people they can ’ t dance . It is incredibly conflicting and really kills the vibe for people , but it had to be done . Then , the pressure put on the venue by authorities … That has been immense . The council visit regularly to scrutinise how we operate . Licensing constantly visit to check our operation , to ensure we have the necessary licenses . Finally , the police . The police have been particularly difficult . At its worst point we would get several visits per day . We could have riot vans turn up or up to 5 different police units visit us . Usually this had been because people have complained about us , apparently people ring the police and tell them we are throwing illegal parties or we aren ’ t Covid safe and they then turn up to check up on us . Or at least that ’ s what they tell us the reason is … Either way , their biggest problem is their lack of communication , so after a visit , once they have ascertained we are legal they leave but don ’ t communicate to the rest of the Metropolitan Police , so we then get another set of officers who are responding to another complaint or issue .
What is your opinion on how the government has responded to the hospitality sector throughout the pandemic ? from what I understand , the financial support has been difficult to obtain and has been offered out disproportionately .
What makes CDT different from other venues offering sit-down events ?
I think we offer something a little less mainstream , a little less polished and therefore freer . The Cause has always been that kind of place . I have always felt that CDT feels like a little festival with its many areas and all their different vibes . The owners and the team put in a lot of effort into things like lighting and sound systems etc . so they really care about the music and the party as an experience . Also , not that many places are offering dance music and raves sat down , for obvious reasons . As I mentioned before , it ' s tricky , but someone has to do it , and we are .
What is the future of CDT after venues can fully reopen ?
The future for CDT is to get back to club culture . There ’ s a lot of lost time to make time to make up for . We have lots of new exciting spaces to throw parties in , that have been developed during Covid and we are itching to get them fully operational . Also , from a business point of view , we have been incredibly restricted in terms of making money and we need to get back to a successful business operation .
What has been one of the most memorable events for you ?
Throughout the pandemic we have had Adonis ’ team running a cabaret show called Touche which has been amazing . It ' s very exciting to see live performances incorporated with dance music .
I think there have been hugely conflicting actions taken that seem to penalise some areas of the industry more than others . For instance , the stupid rule where people had to buy a meal when drinking alcohol in a pub . This only had a detrimental affect and was completely pointless . The restrictions put the hospitality industry , especially during the tier system , really felt like a publicity action , to help the government ' s image , so they can present some sort of strong arm actions to the rest of the country so they looked as though they were
Images : Leila Koukab
ISSUE 4 SLEUTH 49