Address:台北市大安區新生南路三段56巷7號1樓
- Chinese Name: 女巫店
- Located At: Taipei City (Northern Taiwan)
- Year of Establishment: Feb. 21, 1996
- Did You Know That…?
- Unlike many restaurants and cafés in Taipei, wifi is not available at the Witch House. It is owner's intention to tear her customers away from mobile distractions and encourage more face-to-face interaction.
- English Address:
- No. 7, Lane 56, Xinsheng S. Road Section 3, Da'an District, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- Opening Hours:
- Sundays - Wednesdays: 11am to midnight
- Thursdays - Saturdays: 11am to 1am
- Contact: +886-2-2362-5494
- Website: www.swanpanasia.com/witchhouse/
As unusual as its name, the Witch House is dubbed "the cradle of indie musicians” in Taiwan. It offers food and drinks and a space for independent musicians to perform and share their music. The Witch House plays an important role in the development of Taiwan's indie music by giving musicians a chance to build a following and even rise to prominence. In addition, it is known for providing various board games for customers to play.
A ‘witchy' restaurant
Founded by Peng Yu-jing (彭郁晶) - who refers to herself as the "Big Witch” - the Witch House is one of the first themed restaurants in Taipei that features feminism. The emphasis on female characters and sexuality can be seen through its interior décor that uses bold pictures and lingerie items. It is Peng's intention to convey the idea of liberation by freeing up the atmosphere.
A live house is born
Following the 1996 closing of Scum, the only venue for underground music performance in Taipei at that time, the Witch House adopted its equipment and the mission of cultivating underground music in Taiwan.
In its early years as a live house, the Witch House served as a venue mainly for Scum-affiliated musicians such as male-dominated heavy metal and rock bands. It was not until the opening of another bigger live house in Taipei did the Witch House began to cultivate its own style - a live house for independent musicians featuring unplugged soft music with folk and alternative sounds.
Cradle for indie musicians
When most of the rock bands moved onto another live house, Peng started to invite unknown musicians, mostly female, to perform in the Witch House. By providing a stage, Peng encourages those who have passion for music to create more works and help them to build a fan base.
Notable Taiwanese singers such as Cheer Chen (陳綺貞), Sandee Chan (陳珊妮), and Deserts Chang (張懸), as well as indie band Sodagreen (蘇打綠), all have performed in the Witch House before achieving mainstream success.
The Witch House was nearly forced to close down in 2011 because of the city government's urban planning projects. Fortunately the live house was eventually allowed to carry on as part of the cultural and creative sector. With Peng's efforts and support from many indie music fans, today the Witch House is still vibrating with live music each night and cradling the next music star.