Named after the hero of the Victorian novel the Manchester Man, countless former students will have fond, if slightly hazy, memories of one lost legendary night-spot.
Jabez Clegg on Portsmouth Street in Manchester was a mainstay of the student party scene for over 20-years. Opening in 1991, it sat directly opposite the student union and attracted huge crowds every weekend for gigs, comedy and club nights.
The likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Pete Doherty and Jack Whitehall all graced its stage over the years. Situated in the heart of Manchester's student community, it was a popular hangout for catching up with classmates over a beer or cocktails (Green Monster or Cheeky Vimto anyone?).
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Upstairs at Jabez Clegg, there was an eclectic array of club nights including the equally legendary student night, The BOP, following its move from Owens Park student village in Fallowfield. Other popular nights included Condemned, Totally Lost It, and the curiously named Spank Bank – described as an eclectic night of old school hip-hop, dance bangers and '90s classics.
But it wasn't just for club nights, its combination of cheap drinks, pool tables, wooden beams and deep booths made for an ideal place to meet fellow cash-strapped uni pals. One former Manchester student who spoke fondly about his experiences at Jabez Clegg was physicist and TV presenter, Professor Brian Cox.
He told The Tab in 2018: "Living in this city is brilliant. We used to go to Jabez Clegg, an amazing student night spot," adding: "It was a lovely little bar." That was until it suddenly vanished from Manchester's student map overnight.
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In 2013, the venue made the shock announcement it was to close with immediate effect with the loss of 22 jobs. Posting a farewell message to Twitter, the venue said: "The rumours are true – I'm sorry to say we're closed indefinitely. Good luck to all our friends. Peace out."
The former church hall building had been snapped up by the university as part of a £1bn 10-year masterplan for the campus. University insiders said the building had not originally been part of its vision – but had come on the market unexpectedly at a good price.
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When the MEN published a story on the bar's closure in 2013, people took to the Facebook comments to express their shock and sadness that the stalwart of the city's student scene was no more.
John Channing said: "I was there at the opening night back in 1991, gutted it has closed. Manchester legend up there with Hacienda!"
Clare Burns posted: "Oh No! Many a great and drunken night was had there when I was young."
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Owen Rhys Peel said: "Ended up there randomly on a first date. Thought a band we knew were playing that night, but when we arrived it turned out they'd cancelled. Stayed for a drink anyway. The date must have gone pretty well anyway as we're now married!"
Karl Murphy commented: "That was my favourite haunt. Snogged plenty of girl students in there. Red Stripe in a can. Beltin' great memories."
While Surish Pal said: "That's a shocker! Reckon they should have a sticky floor room just to honour the tradition!"
Does Jabez Clegg or its club nights awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
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