Tokyo Industries takes over The Social music venue in London and opens new West End theatre The Emerald

Hospitality group Tokyo Industries has announced the acquisition of London music venue The Social near Oxford Circus.

The Social on Little Portland Street has been a major part of London’s music scene since the 1990’s, and has hosted stars including Adele, The Chemical Brothers and Lily Allen.

Tokyo Industries is aiming to reimagine independent cultural spaces and breathe new life into existing venues. They have acquired The Social as part of their expanding live music arm, Tokyo Live, which includes 11 live music venues including in Manchester, Newcastle, York and Hull.

The Social London. Photo via venue

Last week the company launched its latest London project, new West End venue the Emerald Theatre.

Previously Proud Embankment, the venue has had a £4 million refurbishment, opening last week with previews of new cabaret show Diamonds and Dust, starring burlesque legend Dita von Teese and Steps’ Faye Tozer.

The Emerald Theatre has a brand new stage, lighting and production, seating, bar and merchandise areas across the ground floor and mezzanine areas of the venue.

In total, Tokyo Industries currently operates 49 venues in the UK, and 19 internationally, including Impossible & Gorilla in Manchester, Digital in Newcastle and One Ninety Four in Piccadilly, London.

Diamonds and Dust – Faye Tozer & Dita Von Teese (Photos via PR)

Diamonds and Dust is presented by Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese, and promises to be a heady mix of glamour, high-stakes drama, and breathtaking artistry, inspired by the Wild West.

Von Teese plays Lady Luck at select performances, and the show stars Faye Tozer (Steps, 101 Dalmatians) as Miss Kitty LeRoy – madam, gunslinger, and heartbreaker.

Aaron Mellor, Founder and Managing Director of Tokyo Industries said in a statement: “London has always been part of our key strategic vision. The Emerald Theatre gives us a unique canvas to blend heritage with creativity – a space where we can showcase emerging talent, incredible production, and world-class performances with Dita’s amazing team. We are looking forward to watching the production launch and seeing this iconic venue brought to life once again. Acquiring historic live music venue, The Social alongside this also supports the growth of our London portfolio and showcases our commitment to breathing new life into grassroots venues.”

Chris Bateson, Operations Director for Tokyo Industries, said: “We are excited to be launching our first theatre with Tokyo Industries, especially in an iconic location like the West End. Given the struggles late night leisure is facing in the midst of a cost of living crisis and behavioral change of the younger generation, it’s important the company pivots to meet the demands of the consumer who are all looking for a bit more ‘bang for their buck’. Entering the world of Theatre and further expanding our portfolio in the LIVE music sector allows us to do exactly that. Both projects have seen us employ over 100 people across all departments from Bar Staff and Kitchen to senior management. We have big plans for both The Social and the Emerald Theatre and we are looking forward to watching both venues thrive.”

Diamonds and Dust is now playing at the Emerald Theatre in London, booking to 28 September 2025.

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Diamonds and Dust

Emerald Theatre, London

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📷 Main photo: Emerald Theatre London. Photo Tokyo Industries