From sweaty rave spots to Soho institutions, these are the iconic nightlife haunts we most miss.
Mass was a particularly important south London club, notably as the home of DMZ, which turned the venue into a pilgrimage spot for dubstep fans from way beyond the capital. The historic venue, which hosted game-changing concerts from the likes of Oasis, Manic Street Preachers and Nirvana, was bulldozed in 2009 to make room for a bigger ticket hall at Tottenham Court Road tube station. thanks for the article, spent many crazy nights/days in all of these places, Velvet Underground aside. If you screwed up, you were thrown to the lions. After 14 years, however, its owners wanted to move on, saying they wanted to leave on a high. So move I did, all the way from Helsinki. What is the Cross Book? Nice article Tom, brought back some great memories. It was hip long before Shoreditch was, and paved the way for the plethora of nightlife venues that have popped up in the area since. It was one of the premiere south London nightspots of the time, with Glenn Miller, Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin among the top names to grace its stage. At the fulcrum of the acid house scene, it became absurdly popular, partly thanks to its strawberry scented smoke machines and strobe lights. We list 18 things you might not know about the Limelight club, the building it was in and its links to the US. Ive had experiences at all of these nightclub venues and brought back many memories reading your article. Plastic People, Shoreditch2000-2015The new year started with a shock for clubbers, when renowned east London bass-cave Plastic People announced it was closing, pretty much instantly. Central to the Black jazz scene at the time, and closely linked with African. Cans of beer Hes right. The single was written and produced by Ralf Ren Mau, and its cover artwork features . The street was home to the 1980s Batcave nightclub where regulars such as Robert Smith, Marc Almond and Alice Coop. 10.
London 1980s nightclub Stock Photos and Images - Alamy According to its owners, the time felt right to move on. Worse than that, advanced ticketing is now the only option promoters are now willing to risk, destroying that brilliant spontaneous thing of being in the pub and deciding who you wanted to see and where (knowing you had a good choice of reliable venues that you knew inside out.) Astoria in Charing Cross Road was London's largest live music club for years. Acts to have played The Scala include Foo Fighters, The Killers and Coldplay. Cue acid house, bucket hats, baggy T-shirts and lots of sweat. Every club claims that its all about the music but in Plastic Peoples case, the ideology really did manifest. Matter, Greenwich2008-2010It was perhaps always a slightly over-optimistic proposition opening a nightclub in Greenwich, let alone one inside the Millennium Dome, but if anyone was going to have a good stab at it, then it would be the pair behind Fabric: Cameron Leslie and Keith Reilly. Its really not surprising nobody has any sense of ownership or love for these places, because both promoters and punters are using them on such an ad hoc basis. Limelight in London was one of a string of Limelight clubs owned by Canadian Peter Gatien - other Limelight clubs in the chain were in Hallandale in Florida, Atlanta, Chicago and New York City. I was there solidly for several years and partook in all you have mentioned above (and more). Behind the clubs infamous pitch-black curtains, the dance floor was like the vortex that drew you bodily and consciously into a completely free space. The massive warehouse club in King's Cross was a close as you could get to a legal rave. 2021-2023 - Luxury London. Have some great memories from that place when the people from Hooj used to celebrate their parties there. From the Kinolibrary archive film collections. Its also a shame to lose 93 Feet East recently too. In the 1980s some clubs opened up in Earls Court, where the rent was cheaper. It had its licence revoked after a "serious incident of disorder" in 2014 and its closure left many Londoners with heavy hearts. Wow, it was a long time ago. Love it, smiling from ear to ear thinking about some of them. If anyone sees them please can you let me know? MoS is an institution, still respected by much of the dance music cognoscenti but derided in many quarters for having long since become the Bluewater of nightclubs; mostly now populated by coach parties from Essex. It didnt last long though. Those Cranks days were the era that I fully embraced the concept of the 3-night sleepless weekender and other wonderous, if slightly unprofessional, ways to fill the hours between shifts. But Crossrail was the final nail in the coffin for the much-loved Soho venue. I think the last great night I had in a bigger club was Shelter at Egg in 2005. The very social cafe upstairs, the dense dry-ice on the main floor with the mesmerising lasers, hottest guys, new bizarre sounds, the knowledge that the rest of England was sleeping and had no idea that such hedonism was taking place on a Sunday morning and night (you missed out Warriors) all fuelled after an initial polite and orderly wait in line to see Nick (is he out yet?)
List of gentlemen's clubs in London - Wikipedia This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For a year or so, this was an explosion of androgyny, increasingly bizarre and fabulous homemade fashion and lashings of clunky, proto synths. Would love to break that story! -d(-L-)b-. It makes me feel quite sad how our communities are being transformed into bland faceless environments in some cases. Sign up to our newsletter and be the first to know about the latest fashion, travel, going out and lifestyle happenings, Subscribe to the Luxury London print edition, Celebrate the return of clubbing with a trip through the capitals infamous after dark drinking dens. Lead singer of the pop group Visage Steve Strange (left) pictured with Boy George at London's Limelight. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Getting lost Regulars over the years have included Michael Caine, Keith Moon and Jack Nicholson. We took a nostalgic look back at some of the capital's notorious nightclubs which have all closed since 2000. Me and my brother went there, 2 days before we flew out to Zante in 1994. In the 1990s, the scene reverted back to Soho, revitalised by new style bars like The Village. It was 2 for a beer which was great value at the time. The Shim Sham Club, which opened on Wardour Street in the mid-1930s, was described as 'London's miniature Harlem'. If you were staggering down the Clerkenwell Road on a Sunday afternoon at around 4pm in the early 90s then you can consider yourself a true nightclub pioneer. Its a hardback coffee table monster, full of lovely photos and quotes. And some ex-boxer DJ? But in London most places turf revellers out well before 4am and there's a severe lack of "after hour" options. Finally closing after 18 years in 2008, Trade never again found a permanent home as Turnmills itself was demolished; the site is now home to the most anonymous possible looking corner office block. Many a themed student bash was hosted at London Bridge's notorious Cable Club in the mid 2000s. Went to all of them, I think Turnmills shades it for me for atmosphere, but I probably had my best nights out at the End. Then of course there was The Fridge, Studio 33, and some fantastic railway arch clubs buried away around London (Imperial Rooms in Camberwell New Road a particular memory). Zen's Dartford First Flicks in the 1980s and later Zen's, the nightclub on Essex Road was more recently known as Air & Breathe. Despite the epic interior, or perhaps because of it, the venue struggled to pull in the punters during its later years, blaming the recession for its eventual closure. Clubs in Mayfair London are the most prestigious nightclubs in town. Reminded me of my mis-spent but highly pleasurable youth on the dance floors of a London. I had some of the best days of my life there! When record producer and DJ Paul Oakenfold went to Ibiza in 1985 to celebrate his birthday, he hired a villa and invited then-unknown DJs Nicky Holloway, Pete Tong and Danny Rampling. The immovable object of the London clubbing scene. It closed in 2010 to make way for housing, flats and a theatre, in a high street regeneration scheme. Despite quality residencies from the likes of Hospitality and a body kinetic dance floor, the club eventually closed due to financial difficulties, blamed on delays with the upgrade to the Jubilee line. Ill email you! Velvet Rooms, Soho1993-2003Ibiza party man Nicky Holloway kickstarted this central London club originally named Velvet Underground after his previous project, Milk Bar, lost its lease. After searching for ages Ive just stumbled across an archaic website that still has photos and even videos of all three Kings Cross clubs Canvas, The Cross and The Key. What I would say is be glad we are the ages we are. Great article. 3 books with local connections, Two cultural winter highlights: La Maupin and LuYang, 3 things to consider: Makers Market, New Wine Bar and Live Jazz, Leigh Hunt and the secret history of 13 Mortimer Terrace NW5, Its 10 years since Fields Beneath, Camden Brewery, The Grafton and Pizza East opened, The Parakeet, Kentish Town: what you need to know, The Parakeet Kentish Town: ex-Brat chef in the kitchen, A beginners guide to.Harringay Green Lanes. The Blitz Kids were the gang who unofficially ran the club, with members included Gary and Martin Kemp from Spandau, dance choreographer supremo-to-be Michael Clark and Siobhan Fahey (later of Bananarama). We WERE there, we DID live it, and now were sentimental old bastards. So blessed to have lived through that experience and a special mention to my ex Alan and DJ Chris McKoy. Great memories for me toobut pickling clubs in aspic is a sign of ld age, new generations inven their own vibes in new venues.Some of those big clubs that are eulogised here were seen at the time by older clubbersd as too corporate and bland. The Astoria, Soho1976-2009Not even Londons largest live music club could stand in the way of the Crossrail development. People queuing to get into The Cross mid 1990s, Madame Jojo's in London's Soho closed after losing its licence in 2014, The O2 Arena was once a massive nightclub, The Good Ship supported emerging artists and comedians and was a gem of the London gig scene.
London Nights - Wikipedia London's lost nightclubs in pictures A new book by DJ and writer Dave Haslam offers a fascinating glimpse into London's clubbing history. It closed after an issue with underage drinking was reported in 2009, before re-opening as Electric Brixton. Those that were there will never forget and those that werent would wish they were if they knew. Limelight in New York, which closed in 2001, was in the media in 1996 when Michael Alig was arrested and later convicted for the killing and dismemberment of Angel Melendez, who frequented the New York Limelight - the 2003 biopic Party Monster, starring Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green, was based on this event. As of today, we can once again form outdoor queues seemingly without point or purpose, lose our cloakroom tickets and get furiously sweaty to throbbing, seductive and oft just downright filthy beats in darkened rooms until the earliest of hours.
The clubbing map: What has happened to London nightlife? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Egg Sando, Panadera: Londons best 4.50 sandwich? Best London Club and Rave Venues that are now closed This week, Boris Johnson has been considering a decision that will affect the future of London's most famous nightclub. Now, as then, this is still the party spot for the rich and privileged, with a fair smattering of showbiz excess included. The plan was to go up there, see someone and come back. We do have to move on though and surely there are opportunities for a new generation of people who want to create new nightclub venues, with fresh ideas. Enjoyed the trip into nostalgia very much.. Or many others, would not stop writing and remembering about them. House night Freedom ran at the club for years and Philip Sallons Mud Club also took place there, as well as the Pussy Posse Party, which included mud-wrestling. London Night Guide is your nightlife concierge for the most best clubs in London. In the 90s, it was all about wild weekly party Love Muscle, one of the capitals most renowned gay nights. Ive worked in Turnmills from 1996 right to the very last night in 2008. I discovered house music whilst on holiday in Ibiza in 1990 and after that London was the only place on my to move to list. My favourite break-time activity was to go up to the rafters and watch everybody raving. Fictional clubs. And there are also some intriguing facts about the nightclub's sister venues across the pond. I will never forget it. In 1979 it was from this Covent Garden spot that the New Romantic movement came forth to rescue England from a music scene of lumpen post-punk mediocrity. And while theres nothing worse than the club bore going on about how the music and the parties were so much better back in the day, we should give these classic institutions more reverence. As always you can unsubscribe at any time.
Do you remember these South West London nightclubs? Remember one night trying to adjust the needles for them not to jump on the vinyls. We had amazing nights, including joint parties with labrynth and raindance. Believe it or not King's Cross was once the party hub of London.
But in the 1990s it was plagued by bad publicity and following a drug-related . Wow. Great article and very sad reading. I wouldnt even know where to go nowadays for a night out. it probably was ha ! Weve picked our Top 5 such venues, all of which were in stumble-home-from distance for Kentishtowners (thats why theres no Club UK for example, if youre wondering). Last modified on Tue 2 Jun 2020 05.49BST, Photograph: Ray Stevenson/REX/Shutterstock, Photograph: Dick Barnatt/Redferns & Paul Talling, Photograph: Paul Talling & Ilpo Musto/REX/Shutterstock, Photograph: Ray Stevenson/REX/Shutterstock & Paul Talling, Photograph: REX/Shutterstock & Paul Talling, Photograph: Paul Talling & Marc Sharrat/REX Shutterstock, Composite: David Corio/Redferns & Paul Talling, Photograph: Paul Talling & David Corio/Redferns, Photograph: Brendan Beirne/Rex Shutterstock & Paul Talling, Photograph: Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock, Photograph: Paul Talling & Ray Stevenson/REX/Shutterstock, Photograph: Suzie Gibbons/Redferns & Paul Talling, Photograph: Ray Stevenson/REX/Shutterstock & Paul Talling, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every The small room was great. Sat 30 May 2020 17.00BST A linchpin in London's dubstep scene, it was a shock for bass-loving partiers when the Shoreditch venue announced its sudden closure in 2015. Maggie's, 329 Fulham Road, SW10 9QL, maggies-club.com The Jazz Caf 5 Parkway Every Saturday night, the Jazz Caf hosts I Love the 80s v I Love the 90s, a retro night combining all the best bits of. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. No Bar Rumba though? These might have often been dank, crumbling, smelly old places, but they are where countless people enjoyed some of the most intense and vital moments of their lives.
Top R&B Clubs And Events In London | DesignMyNight Cables enraged founder Euan Johnston, who also founded nearby SeOne, said: We were assured when we moved in that we would not be affected by the redevelopment and Network Rail have simply changed their minds We have been brushed aside at every level.. The huge venue, which filled six arches, brought a Balearic party vibe to a run-down corner of London, with club nights including Glitterati and Cheeky People. Heads of whistling into the sunset. A dominant hair design was de rigueur. 051. Renowned for their sexy vibes, pumping playlists and heaving dancefloors, we've been out to track down the very best places for music in London. I remember having to take my shoes off for them to be searched. http://www.moviemakersguide.com/data/c/cross0630/cross0630a.htm. The Cross, bouncers nicking you gear *unts. I remember one of their selling points was drinks at pub prices. Keeping mine though , Sounds great, have been looking for a fb page for The Cross but cant find anything at all, would be amazing to see pics over the years, Its a hardback book called the cross 1993-2003 by j. cutting. London, became a popular lesbian bar at the end of the 1990s. It is quite sad seeing a place that holds so many memories for whatever reasons e.g. A great article , and so sad that many of these truly iconic places may be but a memory in the minds of millions . The article was well written and for a change the comments are a nice read as well. how about PLEASED on a wednesday at the Velvet underground !!! The Soul City nights in Covent Garden were also really good.
Home (nightclub chain) - Wikipedia Would have kept going there for anniversary, shame its closed but glad weve done it all at the best times, Im an Aussie that worked the doors at imperial garden, car wash gigs, sunny side up, cafe de Paris (wanky but fun). The Fridge, Brixton1981-2010When it opened, the Fridge was the club of the New Romantics Boy George was a regular before becoming famous for its nights hosted by Soul II Soul. Herbal, Shoreditch2000-2009It was small (and sweaty) but Herbal consistently pounded out some of the best drum and bass in the capital, filling out every Sunday for Grooveriders seminal night, Grace, as well as regularly hosting the likes of Goldie and the Metalheadz crew. These exclusive extracts and photos tell the story of. The End, The Cross, Turnmills and Bagleys were all favourites. The End was the brainchild of DJs Mr C and Layo. Before the Millenium Dome became the O2 Arena we know today it was home to a couple of nightclub's. When it opened, the Fridge was the club of the New Romantics - Boy George was a regular - before becoming famous for its nights hosted by Soul II Soul. A great club pre-2001. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. but it went wrong after the terrible stabbing on a bank holiday sunday night. surprised Heaven isnt in thereas well as SoundshaftGood article though! Turnmills chutney still so much messy fun. (Photo by Carl Allen) 7 Sir George Robey/Powerhaus, Seven Sisters Road Real friendships were made, some that lasted a few hours and some, decades. Rather than join the party, Hackney council revoked the clubs licence following an undercover operation into drug dealing at the venue. My walk to work takes me past what used to to be the entrance to Turnmills every morning it never fails to bring a smile to my face when I think of the good times I had there. The basement of 69 Dean Street, Soho, housed Gossips (formerly Billy's) nightclub, which hosted various one-nighters, the best known being Gaz's Rockin' Blues. best dominic madden, Sundays @ The End with The A corner crew slapping the walls to Malcom Duffy. I think the concern is that given the way that redevelopment is happening across town, one day soon there wont be any suitable spaces where clubs can settle. Great article. 6. Hey Janine, I remember you well! There was no place to hide. It was around the corner from Angel station. It was where world-famous artists like Adele and The XX cut their teeth, and was a gem of the North London nightlife scene. Its industrial settings and position in the centre of London made it a unique offering.
Over the next few pages, we show you whats become of these former nightlife hotspots, and pay tribute to the glorious madness they once hosted. With alternate Saturdays at Happiness Stan's/Fourplay at Smith's and the Jazz Bistro in Farringdon. We forgive all this because nightclubs in our fair city also provide some of the most euphorically happy moments of collective felicity and joy that well experience in the course of our lives. Where to find the February issue of Kentishtowner, Where to find the January 2019 issue of Kentishtowner, Where to find the December issue of Kentishtowner, http://www.amazon.co.uk/CROSS-1993-2003-Jonathan-CUTTING/dp/B0010786KI, http://wharferj.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/stealth-the-blue-note/. Best crowd ever! The pictures are quite shocking, but their club history often deliciously more so. . Had some amazing times in those clubs, never to repeated in TBA East London warehouses. In the 1950s and 1960s, especially with the growing popularity of the Gateways nightclub in Chelsea, .
Top 5 Lost London Nightclubs of the 90s - 88to98