Sugar Hut: what happened to the TOWIE nightclub in Brentwood - and did Mick Norcross own it before his death?

Sugar Hut is arguably the best known nightclub in the UK, having featured on The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) for three consecutive years, from 2011 to 2013.

The untimely death of famous ‘Mr Sugarhut’ reality TV star, Mick Norcross, was announced by his family on 21 January.

But did he still own the business? This is what is what we know about Sugar Hut today.

Where is Sugar Hut?

Sugar Hut is in A-listed building in Brentwood, Essex.

The nightclub is spread across a maze-like structure, compromising several rooms and a courtyard.

It is just yards from bars such as Pazuzu Bar and Rumours, which were also favourite drinking spots for the TOWIE cast.

Is Sugar Hut still open?

Yes, Sugar Hut is still a viable business, but at the moment it is closed due to social distancing restrictions.

The official Twitter handle of the venue hasn’t tweeted since October 2020, as there have been no events since March 2020.

However, a message was published on the Nightclub’s Twitter page following the announcement of Mick Norcoss’s death.

It read: “So sad to hear the news today of the passing of Mr Sugarhut

@micky_norcross

“A very talented, friendly and fun guy, who made a huge mark on Brentwood.

“A true Essex legend who will be sorely missed, our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.

“RIP Mick ❤️”

Why was the Sugar Hut an important feature on TOWIE?

Sugar Hut featured on TOWIE on a weekly basis as a venue where famous faces would meet up.

It was also the place where Mr Norcross would spend time discussing business and gossip with his son, Kirk, who was also a member of the TOWIE cast.

The upmarket nightclub was also famous for its hosts the ‘Sugar Hut Honeys’, who Norcross defended as he announced the venue would no longer appear on TOWIE after they were slandered by social media trolls, and dubbed “slags”.

He told the Sun in 2013: “My club is an upmarket venue where people come to drink champagne and feel spoiled.

“All these rows they keep filming don’t show the club in a good light and I’m worried it’s putting people off coming, which is the last thing I want.

“Allowing the Sugar Hut Honeys to be called slags is the final straw. I would never allow that to happen in my venue.

“I’ve had enough. I’m out.”

He also dated former Sugar Hut Honey, Samantha Keahey, until his death.

The business continued as a lavish club and attracted fans from all over the UK, as well as continuing to serve TOWIE socialites, without the camera.

Did Norcross still own the club?

The club was sold back in 2019, for an undisclosed price.

Norcross went on to focus his business ventures on establishing The Grand Hotel in Leigh - Greater Manchester, and developing 25 properties in Bulphan, the village where he grew up.

The new owner of Sugar Hut closed the business for six months back in 2019, to refurbish the venue.

It is not yet known who will inherit Norcross’ businesses. He has four children - Kirk, Mason, Daniel and Hollie.