For 30 years, December at Hackney’s on Lake Avenue sounded like the holidays. Casual dinners became warm festivities as the voices of South’s Chambers Singers choir filled the room. But this winter, the dining room will remain quiet. After 71 years of business, the iconic local landmark permanently closed its doors on September 6, bringing a sudden end to a 30-year neighborhood tradition.

During their past performances at Hackney’s, Chamber Singers would carol from room to room for two hours, Robby Shellard, Chambers Director, said. He added that the singers learn and perform about 35 holiday tunes throughout their caroling season, including Christmas and Hanukkah songs . This Hackney’s gig became not only a tradition for Chambers, but also for the community who treasured the idea of having this holiday dinner while being able to watch live student music, Shellard added.

Although Hackney’s on Lake Avenue has shut down, the Hackney’s on Harms Road  announced that they will host the Chambers Singers, Shellard said. Performing at a new location means recognizing new changes while maintaining tradition and determining what may and may not work for the staff and students, Shellard said.

Hackney’s on Lake was a restaurant with an eight room dining experience, while Hackney’s on Harms consists of two dining rooms inside and eight, dome-shaped dining areas outside, Shellard said.

“In the past, the group would carol to the room at large in Hackney’s,” Shellard said. “Now in those indoor dining rooms, we could probably take a request from every single table in the dining room, which allows for a little bit more personalized experience for the guests.”

Along with the changes in sizing and seating of the new restaurant, the change in locations also creates a less familiar atmosphere and enhances many emotions of those performing, Chambers singer senior Lily Fontana, said. Hackney’s on Lake holds a lot of nostalgia for her and hearing it was closing created a feeling of sadness in the beginning, but also created a feeling of  excitement for this new era of Chambers, Fontana said.

“I’ve been watching this group, whether I was with my family or whether it was when my friends were in it, before I was even in high school,” Fontana said. “This has always been something that’s really important to me so I’m happy that I’m a part of it and I’m excited for the new season.”

For generations, Chambers performing at Hackney’s was something the community had looked forward to every holiday season and many associated their holiday traditions with visiting this event, Chambers singer senior Hope Murray, said. Chambers has become a big part of Murray’s life and these Hackney´s performances have also become a big part of her holiday season as well.

“This has become something so ingrained in my memory,” Murray said. “I know almost every inch of Hackney’s and to have to transfer all of that to a new place, I am not sure how it’s going to be, but I’m excited to try something new.”