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Liverpool Echo

National

Jess Molyneux

Liverpool's lost nightclubs that had the 'stickiest floors' in the city

Grafton (Organization) Echo

The sign of a popular nightclub doesn't only point to the amount of clubbers who went there, but also how worn it looked in its final days.

Liverpool clubs that were open for generations saw their fair share of graffiti, outdated décor - and of course sticky floors. Many of us will remember heading to our favourite haunt but finding our feet sticking to the spilled drinks and more built up.

As disgusting as it sounds, it did add character to many places and still forms part of our funny memories at a number of lost venues. Last year, Britain's oldest nightclub famed for its notorious booze-soaked sticky carpet was selling off chunks of its vintage flooring to nostalgic revellers, The Mirror reported.

To reminisce, on our Liverpool memories and history Facebook group we asked members to name a lost Liverpool nightclub that had the stickiest floor. And here are just some of your suggestions.

This list is not intended to be comprehensive, we included lost nightclubs that were suggested most by our readers. But, if you feel there are some we should have included, let us know on social media.

The Cabin Club

Most ECHO readers nominated The Cabin Club - which they claim was known as "the bin" or "the tacky mat." Located on in the Havelock Building on the corner of Berry Street and Bold Street, this lost nightclub is also remembered for its membership cards, handing out lollipops on the doors and its incredible atmosphere amongst many things.

The Cabin also claimed to be the inspiration for The Beatles’ song Don’t Bother Me. By 2015, the venue closed and over the years attracted different developments and plans before re-opening as Jimmy's in 2019

The SHE Club

Located on Victoria Street, next on the list is The SHE club, which opened in 1971. Known for its disco and cabaret lounge, in its heyday, numerous Mersey groups and comedians appeared there.

But after almost reaching the 20 year milestone, the She Club on Victoria Street closed in 1989. Years after its closure, the site became The Living Room/Mosquito/Vampire, then Sugar Hut and the site is now home to restaurant Dash and XOXO nightclub

Krazyhouse

In the early 1990s, The Krazyhouse on Wood Street burst onto the city-centre scene, becoming famous for its indie, rock and alternative scene. Synonymous with Liverpool students, it was affectionately known as the K!.

But in 2018, the closure of the nightclub was lamented by many as the end of an era. That same year, the venue reopened as Electrik -but clubbers still remember its iconic rhino and the its sticky floors.

The Beachcomber

The Beachcomber Club was once located on Seel Street in the city centre. Also known as The Beachy, our archived photo shows outside the venue back in the 1980s.

Join our Liverpool memories and history Facebook group here.

Mardi Gras

Opening its doors to Merseyside teenagers on September 28, 1957, customers were surrounded by walls decorated with Beat City murals by Liverpool artist Bob Percival at Mardi Gras.

The likes of The Beatles, the Big Three, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Cilla Black are also said to have gone there and many a clubber danced on its sticky floor. Originally a church, the building was demolished in the 1970s.

Pickwicks

Some ECHO readers suggested Pickwicks, which they say was nicknamed "sticky pickys." Also known as Mr Pickwicks, the club on Fraser Street near London Road first opened its doors in May 1972.

Through the 70s, 80s and 90s, Pickwicks continued to attract clubbers from across Merseyside. But after nearly 30 years in business, Pickwicks was no more and was replaced by a new dance club called Heaven.

Pez Espada

In the 1970s, many Merseyside clubbers headed to the Pez Espada. Located off Dale Street, at one point the club was open six nights a week, attracting numerous DJs and customers.

For more nostalgia stories, sign up to our Liverpool Echo newsletter here.

051

The 051 nightclub in Liverpool city centre (Submitted)

The 051 on the corner of Mount Pleasant and Brownlow Hill was known as one of the city’s most famous venues.. It established itself as one of the biggest clubs and brands in Liverpool through the 90s and early 2000s.

But in 2005, the venue closed. Since then, the site has been home to a cinema, paintball arena, bar and it’s the weathered yellow sign reminding of its former glory.

The Grafton

Opened in 1924, The Grafton on West Derby Road opened in 1924 and was once a thriving dance hall next to what is now known as the Liverpool Olympia. By the 1970s, it was extremely popular and was the setting for the famous “grab a granny” Thursday nights which were launched during the decade.

In 1999 The Grafton became a star in its own right when it was the subject of a fly-on-the-wall TV documentary. But in later years, it was a comedy club before closing down permanently.

Coconut Grove

Next on our list is Coconut Grove, otherwise known as 'The Cokey.' It first opened its doors in 1982 on the corner of Green Lane and West Derby Road in Tuebrook.

Many people will remember its tropical theme, from Pina coladas, to Hawaiian garlands and plastic palm trees. It later became The Venue in the early 90’s.