Legendary Paisley music pub The Cave heading to auction

Paisley’s long-running music pub The Cave is about to go under the hammer. The New Street venue has been listed for auction with a guide price of £80,000, with the sale due to take place on 21 August under the direction of Auction House Scotland.

Nightlife across the town has been shifting. Some pubs have changed hands, others have closed altogether. Small music rooms that once gave young bands their first break now compete with screens, apps and a constant stream of online distractions. 

Crowds are thinner, habits have moved on. Alongside that change sits another trend: people looking further afield for entertainment. Streaming services, global platforms, and even gaming sites beyond the reach of GamStop have carved out their place. They are often said to offer bigger deals, deposit bonuses, faster payouts and a wider mix of options. Non GamStop casinos in particular are mentioned for flexible sign-ups and broader payment choices, from cards to crypto. 

But despite the pull of the digital, the draw of a live gig in a tight Paisley room remains. The Cave has seen it all—folk singers, ska bands, rock acts pushing the walls with volume. Names like The Laurettes, Horse and The Dughoose Ska Band have left their mark, and countless others cut their teeth in front of regulars packed shoulder to shoulder. For many, it was the first stage that mattered.

As the hammer date approaches, the question is not only who buys the building, but what becomes of that history. Does the space stay alive as part of the town’s music map, or fall silent like so many others? Whatever the outcome, the story of The Cave underlines how Paisley balances the old pull of the street with the new lure of online worlds.

The Cave has been part of the town’s night scene for decades. Known for its tight space and lively atmosphere, it has staged everything from folk nights to heavy rock sessions. Acts such as The Laurettes, Horse and The Dughoose Ska Band have all played there, while countless local performers cut their teeth in front of its regular crowd. For many musicians starting out, a set at The Cave was the first real chance to test themselves in front of an audience.

The pub itself is laid out with a lounge bar, a mezzanine seating area, separate toilets and a storeroom. While the layout is simple, the venue has hosted many years of live music and busy nights. Regulars remember the mix of close-up performances, singalongs and the busy Saturday crowds on New Street.

Its location has always been part of its draw. A short walk from Paisley Gilmour Street Station, it sits close to shops, cafes and other pubs. Easy access has brought steady trade, not just from locals but from visitors making the short journey from Glasgow. The property’s current rateable value stands at £12,750, and the new owner may be able to apply for small business rates relief.

The sale includes most of the fittings that have served the venue over the years, with a few exceptions. Stock will be subject to separate agreement. Bidding is open online, by phone, proxy or in person, though registration is required by 20 August.

The Cave has seen Paisley’s nightlife change around it but managed to hold its ground. Crowds kept coming back, week after week. Tribute nights, rock covers, open-mic evenings — the mix was enough to keep the bar alive through quieter spells midweek.

Now the sale date is almost here and attention turns to the outcome. People in the town are watching closely, hoping the doors will stay open and the stage remain in use. For a venue tied so closely to Paisley’s music identity, what happens next is more than just a property deal.