About Tubby HQ
Tubby HQ is the event and production site for Tubby Tom’s – a cult followed Gloucester-based hot sauce and BBQ brand founded in 2014 (www.madeingloucestershire.com ) (www.soglos.com ). Located in Churcham Business Park (GL2 8AX), about three miles west of Gloucester city centre (www.soglos.com ) (gb.kompass.com ), this converted industrial unit serves as the company’s headquarters and a casual event venue. It opened in 2022 with a big launch party (www.soglos.com ), transforming what might look like a plain warehouse into a lively hub of music, food and summer fairs. While Tubby HQ’s primary function is as Tubby Tom’s offices and warehouse, it’s notable for hosting street-food festivals, BBQ taster events and live music nights under the Tubby Tom’s brand. The venue stands out for its unique mash-up of industrial-style architecture and festival energy – fans often describe its atmosphere as far removed from a typical pub or club (www.soglos.com ) (www.tubbytoms.com ). In short, Tubby HQ is as much about the personality of its spicy, punk-inspired founder and community-focused events as it is about sales of sauces and seasonings (www.madeingloucestershire.com ) (www.soglos.com ).
Events and Programming
Tubby HQ tends to host one-off events rather than a regular club schedule. Its debut event was an open-air street-food launch party on 21 August 2022, featuring a makers’ market, local BBQ tasters, music and beer (www.soglos.com ). This “launch party – New Tubby HQ” drew food trucks and craft vendors (for example, burgers from Woozy Pig, artisan brownies and ice cream) alongside live bands and DJs (www.soglos.com ). In 2024, Tubby HQ hosted *Tubby Fest*, a self-styled mini-festival marking 10 years of Tubby Tom’s (www.tubbytoms.com ). That event featured multiple stages of live music, beer and street-food stalls, cookery demos, barbecue-eating competitions and even a mechanical rodeo bull (www.tubbytoms.com ). In between marquee events, the site has opened up for special workshops and markets. For example, Tubby Tom’s now runs barbecue cooking courses and has showcased these classes at the HQ open day (www.soglos.com ). Expect any future events to mix Tubby Tom’s signature barbecue/rock ethos – things like live local bands or DJs, outdoor stage setups, food trucks and quirky contests – rather than conventional theatre-style shows. In short, Tubby HQ’s programming is an eclectic mix of food festivals, barbecue demonstrations and music nights all designed around the brand’s fiery flair (www.soglos.com ) (www.tubbytoms.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Tubby HQ events are generally sold through Tubby Tom’s official channels. For major events (like Tubby Fest), the company will announce ticket sales on its website and social media, often via specialist ticketing platforms (e.g. as noted in the Tubby Fest 2024 announcement (www.tubbytoms.com )). Readers are advised to act quickly: the Tubby Fest packages (including general admission and themed bundles) sold out very fast (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, there is usually no physical box office on site – ticket sales are online only. As with most popular local festivals, it’s wise to buy in advance (early-bird releases are common) because events can reach capacity. Keep an eye on the Tubby Tom’s website or newsletter for presale dates and use the links they provide (they often link to TicketFairy for adults and family tickets (www.tubbytoms.com )). There may be limited door sales if an event is not sold out, but advancing purchase removes uncertainty. Prices have varied by event; special bundles (like the “Yeti” or “Weber” GA packages) have included swag and apparently sold out (www.ticketfairy.com ). Getting the best deal usually means subscribing to the Tubby Tom’s email list or following their social media so you hear about presales and discount codes early.
Seating and Layout
Tubby HQ is essentially an open-plan festival site rather than a seated concert hall. The layout changes with each event. For Tubby Fest and open-air markets, the venue was set up with an outdoor stage area, bars and multiple stall or demo zones (www.tubbytoms.com ). Almost all viewing is general admission – people stand or wander between areas rather than have fixed seats. If tables or chairs are provided (for eating or demo areas), these are usually temporary. There are no formal balconies or booth seats; VIPs at Tubby Fest were buzzed by packages of merchandise rather than tucked into a luxe lounge. The stage is typically low and close to the ground, tot he audience on the flat, so better sightlines are usually near the center. Acoustic-wise, Tubby HQ uses professional live-sound equipment to handle open-air performances (www.ticketfairy.com ). (The space itself is large and wide, so sound carries well outdoors but expect some echo near the warehouse walls.) In summary, expect a festival-field vibe: a dancefloor or crowd area directly in front of the stage with food and bar areas around the edges. Most people stand or find picnic benches around the perimeter during shows; bring comfortable shoes as floors may be grass or concrete depending on the setup.
Getting There and Parking
Tubby HQ sits off the A40 at Churcham Business Park (postcode GL2 8AX) (gb.kompass.com ). The approximate street location is Bulley Lane in the Churcham area of Gloucester. The nearest train station is Gloucester Station, about 6km east of the site (www.doogal.co.uk ). If arriving by rail, one can take a bus or taxi from Gloucester station to Churcham Business Park. Local bus service 33 (Gloucester – Ross on Wye – Hereford) stops in Churcham near the business park (bustimes.org ). In fact, Stagecoach West’s 33 route has afternoon return runs that stop “opp Business Park” in Churcham, which is within easy walking distance. Once at Gloucester city centre, boards or Google Maps can confirm exact bus stops (the Soglos event notes that “busses run from Gloucester out here throughout the day” for Tubby Fest (www.tubbytoms.com )). Alternatively, route 24 also passes Churcham. Taxis and local minibuses (e.g. Uber) are another option for the last few miles, and drivers know the GL2 8AX area. As for cars, limited parking is available on-site for events. Organisers stress that a parking pass is needed to reserve a spot, since spaces are few (www.tubbytoms.com ). (This usually requires booking or purchasing a pass when you buy the event ticket.) If you cannot get an on-site space, free public parking is scarce, so the advice is to park in Gloucester town and take the bus or a taxi out. Rideshare drop-offs are often done at the main Business Park entrance on Bulley Lane, so you can be briefly let out next to the venue. During big events expect some traffic, so allow extra travel time.
Inside the Venue
Inside Tubby HQ you’ll find a buzzing festival-like atmosphere. Entry is typically through gates where tickets or wristbands are checked (security is standard for events). The main attractions are outdoors. For instance, at the Tubby Fest 2024 much of the action – food stalls, live stage, and even carnival rides – was under open tents or in the yard (www.tubbytoms.com ). There are bars serving beer, cider and soft drinks (www.tubbytoms.com ), alongside a variety of street-food vendors and picnic areas. The on-site vendors at launch and Tubby Fest have included artisan burger stands, BBQ smokers, taco stalls, and dessert booths (e.g. cherry-ice-cream carts and brownies (www.soglos.com )). Tubby HQ also hosted quirky pop-ups at Tubby Fest – for example an on-site barber and temporary tattoo shop and a screen-printing merch booth (www.tubbytoms.com ). Seating is limited: you may find some picnic tables or camping chairs, but mostly people stand or sit on available crates. There is typically a merchandise shop selling Tubby Tom’s sauces, branded gear and limited items from collaborating brands. Expect a casual, lively vibe – overlaid with rock or DJ music through the day. www.soglos.com ). Coat check or luggage storage is typically not available, so travel light. Overall, tubing up for a day out – a picnic blanket or fold-up chair can come in handy – and prepare for a fun, informal setting.
Nearby Amenities
Churcham Business Park is not a high street and has very few pubs or shops within walking distance. Attendees often treat Tubby HQ events as self-contained day trips. During events, most food and drink needs are supplied on-site (via food trucks and bars (www.soglos.com ) (www.tubbytoms.com )). If you do need to go offsite for dinner or other supplies before or after, plan to head into Gloucester city centre or the larger district of Quedgeley. Gloucester centre (about 10 minutes by car) has full-service restaurants, cafes and pubs. The nearby Quedgeley area has a handful of local pubs and takeaways (for example, The Thatch Inn or a popular fish & chips shop, which tend to fill up ahead of event nights), but options are limited around the business park itself.
What Makes This Venue Special
Tubby HQ isn’t just another event space – it reflects a very local story and culture. First, the venue is essentially the headquarters of a Gloucester success story (Tubby Tom’s sauces). That backstory gives it character: founder Tom Hughes launched the business in 2014 after friend feedback on his home-made BBQ sauce (www.madeingloucestershire.com ) and even catered a rock festival early on (www.tubbytoms.com ). Locals love the underdog vibe: a kitchen-table sauce startup that now has its own music & food “playground.” The graffiti-style branding and skull motifs carry over into the decor, and many say it has a fun, irreverent feel that larger, corporate venues lack. Moreover, Tubby HQ’s cultural impact goes beyond just a party. It has become a gathering point for Gloucester foodies and music fans alike – a “crossroads” of the local community. For example, the launch event directly involved many regional artisans (from local breweries to food crafters) (www.soglos.com ). By teaming up with small businesses (like Bespoke Brewery in Corse, which supplies a key ingredient for Tubby’s BBQ sauce (www.madeingloucestershire.com )), Tubby HQ events have boosted other Gloucestershire producers. www.ticketfairy.com ). From its own “wardens-of-the-flavour” festivals with daredevil BBQ contests to surprise live performances in a packing warehouse, Tubby HQ offers experiences that feel genuine and abrasive (the branding is all matte-black skulls and chainsaws) rather than slick corporate shows. In short, fans say Tubby HQ stands out because it’s authentically local, slightly raw, and built on the founder’s passion for food and music. Its exterior may look industrial, but the inside is bursting with Marl Kilburn-inspired soul – made for memorable late nights, communal backyard cookouts and friendly Gloucester spirit (www.soglos.com ) (www.tubbytoms.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Tubby HQ is in an industrial business park. It has level ground in main areas, but paths may be uneven or gravel. Check with organisers if you need disabled assistance. Events usually provide portable wheelchair ramps or helpers, but plan ahead since it is not a dedicated arena. What to Bring/Not Bring: Dress casually for an outdoor/warehouse setting and unpredictable UK weather. Layers and sturdy shoes are wise for festival ground. You can usually bring small bags/purses, but large backpacks might be checked. Photography for personal use is generally fine, but professional cameras or recording gear may be restricted. Smoking is typically only allowed in designated outside areas (Servers for drinks may have tents but no full indoor lounge). Pack cash or card, as most vendors take card but smaller stalls might prefer cash. Age Restrictions: Tubby HQ events tend to be family-friendly. Public events like Tubby Fest allowed kids under 16 (with an adult) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always check specific event age rules—some evenings might be 18+. Food and Drink: There is no full-service restaurant, but events have ample food stalls and bars (burgers, pizza, BBQ, desserts, craft beer, etc. as seen in past festivals (www.soglos.com ) (www.tubbytoms.com )). Outside food/drink policies vary; at Tubby Fest, outside alcohol was not allowed but non-alcoholic snacks were. Other Tips: Arrive early if you want front-row spots or parking, especially in summer. Coat/freon lighters may be limited, and mobile phone reception can be patchy in the business park. Locals recommend chatting with staff or fans – Tubby HQ crowds are friendly and often there to show newcomers a good time. Finally, always double-check the day’s info; facilities or entry rules may change if an event is rainy or very busy.
How do I get tickets for events at Tubby HQ?
Tickets are generally sold online via Tubby Tom’s official channels. Keep an eye on the Tubby Tom’s website or their social media for announcements. Tickets for big events (like Tubby Fest) often sell out early (www.tubbytoms.com ). There is usually no physical box office, so it’s wise to buy in advance. Early-bird packages (with extras like branded cups or merchandise) have sold out quickly in the past (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What is the cost of tickets for Tubby HQ events?
Pricing varies by event. For example, Tubby Fest 2024 had General Admission tickets plus special bundles (like a “Yeti” package with branded flask) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Basic GA prices can start from around £20–£30 for smaller gigs or up to £50+ for full-day festivals. Bundles that include merchandise or food/drink perks cost a bit more but sold out quickly. Always check the event’s official announcement for exact prices.
How can I get to Tubby HQ by public transport?
The nearest major station is Gloucester (about 6km away) (www.doogal.co.uk ). From Gloucester you can take a Stagecoach West bus towards Churcham. For example, bus route 33 (Gloucester – Ross/Coleford/Hereford) stops in Churcham near the business park (bustimes.org ). When Tubby Fest 2024 ran, organizers noted local buses run from Gloucester throughout the day (www.tubbytoms.com ). After getting off in Churcham, it’s a short walk to the business park site. Alternatively, taxis or rideshares from the station or city centre are straightforward – just tell the driver to use postcode GL2 8AX (Churcham Business Park).
Is there parking available at Tubby HQ?
Yes, but space is very limited. The venue has a small on-site car park, and for events you usually must buy a parking pass in advance to reserve a spot (www.tubbytoms.com ). If you don’t get a parking pass, organizers suggest parking in Gloucester and taking a bus or taxi to the site. On normal days (non-event) parking access may also be restricted, since it's a business park; always check if special parking arrangements are being made for public events.
What kind of seating does Tubby HQ have? Is it standing room only?
Tubby HQ functions like an outdoor festival space. In general, events are standing-room. There are no fixed theatre seats. You’ll typically stand in front of the stage or sit at scattered picnic benches. Tubby Fest and other shows have used open-plan layouts with food tents and stage areas (www.tubbytoms.com ). If seats are available, they’re usually temporary (fold-up chairs or straw bales). So be prepared for an outdoor/warehousestyle setup: watching the show from a safe standing area or bringing a cushion.
Are Tubby HQ events all ages? Can I bring my children?
Most Tubby HQ events are open to all ages, but local rules apply. For example, Tubby Fest 2024 offered a children’s ticket (for under 16 only, and those kids had to be accompanied by an adult) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always check the specific event listing for age restrictions. Generally, daytime and food-market style events are family-friendly, while late-night parties may be 18+.
Can I buy Tubby Tom’s sauces and merchandise at Tubby HQ?
Yes – Tubby HQ often operates as a direct sales point for the sauces and gear. For instance, at the 2022 open-day launch, there was a “Tubby yard sale” where fans could stock up on Tubby Tom’s BBQ sauces and seasonings (www.soglos.com ). On event days, look for the company’s merchandise stall selling branded T-shirts, stickers, glassware, etc. outside of big shows, regular visitors have also pointed out a farm-shop-style retail area on site, though hours can vary.
What food and drink options are available at Tubby HQ?
Tubby HQ does not have a full restaurant, but events are catered by mobile vendors. Past events have featured a variety of street food: burgers and fries (The Woozy Pig), BBQ chicken wings, artisan ice cream (Cherry Moo’s), brownies (Dark Matters), coffee stalls, etc. as seen during the launch market (www.soglos.com ). There is always a bar or two selling beer, wine and soft drinks (www.tubbytoms.com ). In cooler months, some vendors may offer hot food and mulled drinks. Since the venue is outdoors, seating is limited; many visitors eat standing or at picnic tables.
Are restrooms available at Tubby HQ?
Yes, but they are typically portable toilets set up for event use. Plans by organizers ensure that for any public event there are sufficient temporary restroom units on site. There are usually handwash or sanitizer stations nearby. Because it’s an outdoor festival setting, don’t expect permanent lavatories; treat Tubby HQ events like other outdoor festivals in Gloucestershire. If in doubt, use facilities before leaving town.
When did Tubby HQ open and start hosting events?
Tubby HQ officially opened in mid-2022. Its grand “launch party” event was held on 21 August 2022 (www.soglos.com ). Since then, it has periodically hosted festivals and open days (for example, the Tubby Fest mini-festival in April 2024 (www.tubbytoms.com )). Prior to 2022, Tubby Tom’s operated from smaller premises, so 2022 was the first year of events at this Churcham site.
Why is it called “Tubby HQ”?
“Tubby HQ” is a nickname for Tubby Tom’s headquarters in Gloucester. Tubby Tom’s started as a BBQ sauce brand, and “Tubby” is the founder’s nickname. When they opened the new Churcham facility, the local scene began calling it Tubby HQ. It serves as both their administrative HQ and event space. The name highlights its role as the home-base (headquarters) of Tubby Tom’s and its informal, home-grown character in the Gloucester community.
Is Tubby HQ wheelchair accessible?
The site is largely on one level, but since it’s a converted industrial yard, there are some gravel/grassed areas. Organisers usually provide some ramps or level pathways to the main vendor and stage areas. If wheelchair access is a concern, it’s best to contact event staff ahead of time. Many outdoor festival venues in Gloucestershire are considered “partially accessible,” so checking the event info on accessibility is recommended.
Can I bring a camera or recording device into Tubby HQ?
For personal use, smartphone photos and handheld cameras are usually fine – there’s a playful, communal vibe. Professional gear (like DSLRs with large lenses or video cameras) might be restricted, especially for certain artists. Bag checks could be in place at the gate, so leave bulky equipment behind. Always check the rules on the specific event page: some events may have explicit “no professional photography” policies.
Can I bring my own food or alcohol to Tubby HQ events?
Policies vary by event. Tubby HQ generally allows small snacks, but outside full meals or alcohol are usually not permitted (especially if food is being sold). Past events have had on-site food vendors and bars, so they encourage supporting those. For special diets (vegan, allergy, etc.), get something from a safe street-food vendor or bring a small snack for yourself. Always respect any “no outside food/drink” rule given at the entrance.
