Built in 1897 as a music hall The Middlesbrough Empire has played host to a variety of performers from Charlie Chaplin to Paul Oakenfold to the Scissor Sisters! Since he bought the venue 1991 Barry Faulkner has transformed the derelict building into one of the countries finest venues/nightclubs. The Empire now retains all it's former glory with 3 floors dedicated to style and music.

The Empire is privately owned and is not tied to any brewery. The Empire has a 70m sq stage with extensive stage wings for production/mixing points. A full size cinema screen above the stage for projections/video mixing. Two original private boxes have been retained as well as a standing balcony all the way round for stage viewing.