Home. Great article and very sad reading. It closed in 2010 to make way for housing, flats and a theatre, in a high street regeneration scheme. Perhaps its biggest night was FWD>>, which moved there after Velvet Rooms closed, and the club played a significant role for the the whole dubstep scene. 12. Memorable days and nights. Its really sad that the times have achanged and in a reflection of this, all these fantastic places are being bulldozed. Zen's Dartford First Flicks in the 1980s and later Zen's, the nightclub on Essex Road was more recently known as Air & Breathe. Remind trade on sat nite dj smokin joe the paradise at angel station the lazerodrome in peckam carl cox at m.o.sound crazy nite misss you. New venues although arguably more suitable in some considerations like Matter just dont possess the necessary special ingredient like the late great Turnmills anymore. The spot is now a lap dancing club called The Red Rooms. But the magic was gone weve since seen the end for the Den, too. Top 5 Lost London Nightclubs of the 90s Former DJ Magazine Deputy Editor Tom Kihl investigates what happened to the clubs that once dominated London's nightlife By Tom Kihl March 1, 2013 T his week, Boris Johnson has been considering a decision that will affect the future of London's most famous nightclub. Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news in London sent straight to your inbox? Turnmills was the first and best, never surpassed and so fondly remembered, well as much as my pitted brain will allow. So while we salute the nightspots that have weathered the Covid storm, lets now recall the clubs that have fallen, not just during the pandemic but way, way before that, all of whom, in their day, contributed to the aching limbs, sore feet and empty wallets of hedonistic Londoners of yore. hope youre well? Punters at The Bubble Club, The Que Club, 1996. 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 will be following developments closely. Ironically, the development never happened and the club was eventually reopened as the Den and Centro. http://www.amazon.co.uk/CROSS-1993-2003-Jonathan-CUTTING/dp/B0010786KI. Me and my brother went there, 2 days before we flew out to Zante in 1994. But in the 1990s it was plagued by bad publicity and following a drug-related . Copyright 2023 London Belongs To Me Ltd|All Rights Reserved|More info: With your agreement, we and our partners (click on 'Find Out More' below for a list) use cookies or similar technologies to store, access, and process personal data like your visit on this website, IP addresses and cookie identifiers. I Did the lighting and laser systems at turnmills for many different promoters. Great article Tom. But if you were part of that tiny privileged crowd then you would have been drinking, dancing and pestering David Bailey to take your portrait in Scotch of St. James. It set the tone for mixed gay clubbing and for techno music especially to become more mainstream. RM 2HTCTTN - Ace Cinema, Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow, London, 1983. Central to the Black jazz scene at the time, and closely linked with African. It later became the Cat's Whiskers club, the Ritzy then Caesars Nightclub. THANKS. 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/. Anyone who is anyone has DJd there over the years (as the endless MoS series of album releases testifies), including Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong and Armand Van Helden. We set the standard for many years I wonder.. What can we create next >?? Former DJ Magazine Deputy Editor Tom Kihl investigates what happened to the clubs that once dominated London's nightlife. 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. Oasis performed their debut London show at The . The triple-bowed frontage of the Ace Cinema viewed from the south-west. I also have a book given out on The Ends 10th birthday which is a coffee table book but still good. Ive loved reading ur write up about the old clubs and the memories came flooding back with the pics!! Bob Geldof had his stag do at Limelight before he married Paula Yates, George Michael (pictured here in 1992) was often seen at Limelight with a woman on his arm, Inside the former Welsh chapel which was once home to the Limelight nightclub. 11. In the 1980s some clubs opened up in Earls Court, where the rent was cheaper. 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. In the 1950s and 1960s, especially with the growing popularity of the Gateways nightclub in Chelsea, . 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. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Stars from the world of the music who were regulars at the nightclub included Boy George, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Steve Strange. If anyone sees them please can you let me know? The music was smooth and progressive, which moved into a feeling of just less than trance. Nice read Scary thought that Ive actually worked at all of them!!! The single was written and produced by Ralf Ren Mau, and its cover artwork features . I had some of the best days of my life there! No sensible drinking cautions, no smoking bans, and generally less moderation of everything. 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. During the 1990s, photographer Steve Eichner documented the rowdy, over-the-top debauchery that was New York City's club scene and nightlife. London nightclubs facing 'perfect storm' of threats . The site on Curtain Road is now the uber-cheesy Sunset cocktail bar and offers VIP Packages underneath a branch of the burger chain Hache. It was in King's Cross's golden triangle of night clubs which all shut down in the face of the area's redevelopment. Joe Blogs, Great article Tom and indeed sad loss for Londons once outstanding clubland. And some ex-boxer DJ? Oh, the most impressive handlebar tash I have ever seen on a Man. Andy Warhol, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Grace Jones, Debbie Harry, Village People's Randy Jones and Tom Cruise were all names seen at the Atlanta club, which closed in 1985. However, I do hold dear the fact I took advantage of the last ever NYE at The End..needless to say Laurent Garnier did not disappoint:). Luxury London is not responsible for the content of external sites. The Shim Sham Club, which opened on Wardour Street in the mid-1930s, was described as 'London's miniature Harlem'. My favourite break-time activity was to go up to the rafters and watch everybody raving. Electric benefits from the amazing history of the Fridge. London, became a popular lesbian bar at the end of the 1990s. Great article Tom. Our journalists cover all the news you need - from City Hall to your local streets, so you'll never miss a moment. 2. Great article. Simon brought the three nights that were being run at Sublime, Beatfix, Cargo and Voodoo and moved its DJs (including Peewee Ferris, Nik Fish, Craig Obey, Bexta and Kate Monroe) into Home's Friday night. 13. Never crossed my mind that even the buildings would be gone. Great article. But at least theres still Visions Video Bar. In one fell swoop, however, the Cross, Canvas and the Key were culled in favour of the regeneration of Kings Cross. It was the trend-setting precursor to London's super clubs, and transformed the terrain of LGBTQ clubbing in the capital. By the 90s, everyone from Desmond Dekker to the Prodigy had played there. I was just chatting away, when I heard this rhythmic, squeaking sound, along with heavy, thundering footsteps. These cookies do not store any personal information. Ok, its technically a pub and Im not sure if we were going there in 90s. Now can you expand on one for the rest of London please, would love to see Club UK brought back to life if only in words! Clip ref DW0126681990s Ministry of Soun. We took a nostalgic look back at some of the capital's notorious nightclubs which have all closed since 2000. All rights reserved. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. A producers first booking at the club was a serious rite of passage. Between 1987 and 1990, when police pressure forced its closure, Shoom was where the London dance club as we know it today was born. 1. Trying to find your mates Was often at Bagley's but it was never my first choice. I DJed at the Cross 13th birthday and was given a copy of the book on my way out. Standouts would have to be Logical Progression and Gallery at Turnmills, Buzzin Fly, Ram and Underwater @ The End and Type and the mighty Peace Division @ The Cross happy, happy times. George Michael often arrived at the nightclub accompanied by a woman before he came out as gay. Arts charity Stone Nest began to restore and redevelop the former chapel into flexible performance space for theatre, dance, music, video and performance art in 2012. It had to close due to Network Rail redevelopment in 2013. 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. The importance of the issue has been recognised in the Mayor of London's decision to appoint a Night Tsar with responsibility for the night-time economy and the debate surrounding the 2016 closure, and subsequent reopening, of Fabric one of London's most famous clubs. The venue reopened as Electric Brixton the following year, but as owner Andrew Czezowski told the South London Press when it was put up for sale: Whoever buys it, if they buy it, they are only getting bricks and mortar., Cable, London Bridge2009-2013This cavernous 1,300-capacity club, located beneath the railway arches of London Bridge station, was as renowned among clubbers for its airport-style security as for its bass-heavy parties and rapid rise as a significant dance music brand. They are where modern electronic music was crafted, where couples met then got married, where career paths changed and a whole generation learned about the highs and the lows of unbridled hedonism. Ill email you! 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. 7. When a property developer came along offering to buy the End and its sister bar next door, AKA, they decided to accept the offer. He then says, whilst his tash does this little dance/shuffle thing, in the deepest booming, bass-like voice Awighht, Lads, you havin yerselves a good night, then? Me and my brother just cracked up. Thanks Tom sad to read but glad youve documented. 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. This former gin distillery was home to one of Londons all time greatest club nights: Trade. Shelves in the loos. The demise of so many iconic spaces, proper clubs, remains a tragedy for a city that still considers itself a capital of European partying. Cue acid house, bucket hats, baggy T-shirts and lots of sweat. The sad fact of the matter is that there aren't the same options there used to be. Saw Joey Negro play there a few times. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. According to its owners, the time felt right to move on. Some of the greatest nights of my life have been at FWD>> at Plastic People.. Despite a big campaign to save it, the club fell victim to a compulsory purchase order from Hackney council to build a new cinema. The five-storey building is rather wonderfully detailed inside and out. (1989) " London Nights " is British Europop duo London Boys ' biggest hit single, released in 1989 from their debut album, The Twelve Commandments of Dance. Sold out, obviously, although there might be a ticket on the door for 30. Best crowd ever! The Soul City nights in Covent Garden were also really good. Great article. The Cross, bouncers nicking you gear *unts. Would love to have a peek! Great article, and Ill second and third and fourth what has been said here. musical boundaries being broken, relationships being formed, inspiration etc, is then taken and truned into something else. Ch N. Katz In Brick Lane was a small string and paper bag supplier until the late 1990's. Rising rents forced out the Owner after 57 years. For a year or so, this was an explosion of androgyny, increasingly bizarre and fabulous homemade fashion and lashings of clunky, proto synths. Ah. Breaks my heart to see whats happened. Mass and Babalou, Brixton1996-2012Bearing in mind this pair of venues were hosted within Brixtons St Matthews Church, which leased the space to them, it was always pretty cheeky for Mass to host Torture Garden events in the crypt. Because of the sleazy, druggy, mischievous late night vibe (exactly what makes such haunts so exciting), we tend to reduce their cultural significance. Sat 30 May 2020 17.00BST Throughout the 90s and 00s the venue attracted party-lovers from far and wide and also played host to a number of big-name acts. A club with really innovative nights and for the hardcore Metalheadz on a Sunday night. I used to be the membership girl at Freedom. After all, it did have a capacity pushing 4,000 people and a 24-hour drinking licence. Have to confess my favorites were Frantic at the Academy, and The Fridge. 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. 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. It hosted huge weekend parties that were at hit with House music fans. Its industrial settings and position in the centre of London made it a unique offering. Its sad though, as these were truly iconic clubs I am not from UK, but had a chance to party in Turnmills and The Fridge at their best times I felt everyone is equal kind of things there. But many of the places that clubbers flocked to every weekend in their thousands in the post-Criminal Justice Act heyday are being erased from todays landscape. People may rave about London's nightlife, but compared to other big cities, clubs and bars shut early and are expensive. As you pointed out Fabric is the benchmark for a well organised, respected, profitable club in the modern era but you only have to look at the demise of Pacha to see what a dangerous game financially it is nowadays. I half remember a night at Bagleys sitting in an ice cream fridge next to the dancefloor. Having recently celebrated its 50th birthday, Tramp has changed remarkably little in the half century since the small door on Jermyn Street in Mayfair opened its doors. 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. Didnt boy george have a residency there? It makes me feel quite sad how our communities are being transformed into bland faceless environments in some cases. Sorry the plaque should be pale blue with a Dove on it. The Astoria, Soho1976-2009Not even Londons largest live music club could stand in the way of the Crossrail development. 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. The Cross, Kings Cross 1993-2007Speaking to Time Out after its closure, Billy Reilly, who ran a road haulage company in Kings Cross before opening warehouse venue the Cross, admitted that back in 1993 he, didnt know Judge Jules from Judge Dredd. 2. Electrowerkz was the name!!! Great memories though. The Grosvenor Cinema opened in 1936. 16. Now, is that the same Tom Kihl I employed in the heady days of Covent Garden based vegetarian restaurants?

Who Sings Living Spaces Jingle, Articles L