AN ICONIC live music venue and hotel has closed for the final time in Bournemouth.

The Beacon Hotel, encompassing Bournemouth Rock Café on Beacon Road, had become well known in the area for its elaborately decorated interior, featuring vintage music memorabilia.

However, in September it was announced that the hotel would be closing and, with it, the collectables sold.

Musician Jason Poole, a volunteer helper at the Rock Cafe, said the closure was the end of an era.

“It is really sad to see the place go,” he added.

“We still had a lot of live music here and it was a great place for anyone who loved music to come.

“We gave people the opportunity to come in and buy the items at discounted prices.

“The good thing is a lot of the best memorabilia has gone to people who really appreciate it and will take good care of it.

“Despite it being sad that it has closed, the sale was actually a nice opportunity hear people’s stories about the place.

“There have been some beautiful moments and some great bands and musicians have performed here.”

The cafe had featured one of the largest music collections on the south coast, including hundreds of posters, original photos, guitars autographed by the stars along with gold and platinum disks featuring the likes of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.

It also celebrated more than 60 years of Bournemouth’s musical history.

On Tuesday afternoon a removal van pulled up outside to take the remaining memorabilia to London, where owner Dave Roberts resides.