On Saturday, we headed to St Neots for the debut party at Courtyard 58, and let’s just say… it’s giving grassroots magic.
Tucked away behind the Citizen Hub, the space had never been used before, but three locals with big ideas saw huge potential – and turned it into a stripped-back, vibey courtyard that feels like it’s been plucked straight from Amsterdam’s backstreets. Minimal house beats, handmade cocktails, an outdoor bar, and a crowd that felt ready for something new.
This wasn’t just another party. It was a moment for St Neots.
A new era for St Neots nightlife
Behind Courtyard 58 are: Grace Marsh, Sam Squire, and Adrian Kabzinski. Together, they’ve set out to give their hometown the kind of nightlife experience it’s been missing.
“Everyone our age has kinda decided there’s nothing in St Neots for us to do and enjoy,” Grace told us. “We wanted to change that. Between the three of us, we have music, a venue, and a great bartender, so we thought – why not set up something really cool and bring young people back in… whilst still being a welcoming space for all generations?”
For Sam, it’s about unlocking potential – for both people and place. “There are so many young people here who are really talented but don’t have access to opportunity. We want to create a culture where people are proud to be from St Neots and excited about that one place they can call their own.”
Adrian added, “Creating culture is so important. Seeing everyone come together – people offering to volunteer, asking how they can help, even Seri and Beri Food & Wine dropping bits in for free – it’s been amazing. The community vibe is real.”
From left to right: Sam Squire, Grace Marsh and Adrian Kabzinski
A party with purpose
What sets Courtyard 58 apart is how deeply it’s tied to the Citizen Hub – a space already working to drive change in the town.
“This is true grassroots, bottom up,” Sam explained. “When people feel like they’re part of something, they buy into it. Every drink bought here helps support the wider initiatives running from the hub. It’s not just about a night out… it’s about building something together.”
Grace agreed: “I went to uni in Liverpool, and when I crave a proper night out, that’s still where I want to go. Despite being the largest town in Cambridgeshire, you just don’t get that kind of night here. It felt important to create something we’d actually love to go to ourselves.”
The first night of many
Saturday’s launch was capped at 100 tickets to test the space and see how it flowed, and judging by the smiles and the steady stream of cocktails, it passed with flying colours.
“The weather’s been on our side, and what’s nice is that most people didn’t even know this courtyard existed,” Sam said. “They’ve probably walked past hundreds of times. To open it up to the public and invite them in has been amazing.”
Adrian was still soaking it all in: “I’ve had moments today where I’ve just stopped to take it in. People are saying thank you, offering to help out at future events – like bar-tending or setting up. It’s been special.”
So, what’s next?
Grace kept it simple: “We’re here for St Neots now. This summer, we want to have fun and make a difference – and then see where it takes us.”
Sam summed it up perfectly: “We’re building something for the local talent and local people to enjoy. Today, we had a DJ play their first ever live set, and he was amazing – shout-out to Sam Norton – but that’s exactly what we want to do. There’s a huge opportunity here to create something intimate with good local DJs, good drinks, and a space people feel proud to be part of.”
The team are planning a full Summer Series and are actively asking for feedback and ideas to shape the space into something truly collaborative.
Want to get involved?
DM @courtyard.58 on Instagram or email info@citizenhub.co.uk. “We’ll take any type of support and we’re open to ideas,” the trio said. “We’re not working with huge budgets, but we are working with big energy.”
This is just the beginning for St Neots. And honestly? We couldn’t be more excited!
