The nights grew and developed under the stewardship of managers Fred Grainger and Dave Robinson, both of whom later moved on to other things (Grainger to open a nightclub in Brighton, Robinson to co-found independent record label Stiff Records with Jake Riviera).

[citation needed] In January 1976, the venue was acquired by Albion Management and Agency, who installed John Eichler as the landlord.

Ian Grant of Albion Management and Agency narrowed down a long list to a final twenty two bands – all of which had played at the pub previously.

'The Front Row Festival', which took place between Tuesday 22 November and Thursday 15 December 1977, featured numerous pub rock, punk, and new wave groups.

The demo of "Between You and Me" from the first Graham Parker album, Howlin' Wind, was recorded in the basement.