Did you used to love dancing the night away in The Kingsway, Manhattans, Club Code, Zebra Square or Bar NoN?
Did you enjoy cocktails in a packed Maloneys, sit in the sunshine outside The Carlton, go for drinks after work at Ronnie’s, order drinks from bar staff on roller skates at Sticky Wickets or take in the beautiful surroundings of Lombards?
A superb new Facebook group – Southport Forgotten Bars & Clubs – is fast going viral as people rush in to enjoy old photos and memories of unforgettable nights out in Southport.
Days when you had to queue to get into a nightclub; there were no mobile phones; last orders were called at 11pm for pubs and 2pm for nightclubs; you could smoke on a night out; and bouncers wouldn’t let you in if your shoes weren’t smart enough.
Southport Forgotten Bars & Clubs has been created by local woman Dee Fitzsimmons, who has many happy memories of Southport’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Many people will recognise her Mum and Dad too – Ray Fitzsimmons was a door supervisor in the 1980s and 1990s, while Pam Fitzsimmons worked in various bars and nightclubs.
Dee is delighted that her group is growing so much interest and connecting so many people in such huge numbers.
She said: “I made the group around three years ago. Originally it was a group about one of my favourite bars, Bar NoN, and I had around 20 followers.
“Over the last few weeks I thought why not actually change it to allow people to talk about all the Southport bars and clubs of the past.
“I changed the name and I went from 20 followers a week ago to 4,000 now!
“I was going out around four nights a week when I was younger.
“My favourite places were Willow Grove where I would start. Then onto Maloneys, the Old Bank, Beach Bar, Bakers and Bar NoN.
“I would take so many photos before I went out and during the evenings and I ended up having discs full of photos.
“I would also save photos that were published via Facebook pages and kind of built a big collection over the years which I’ve now been sharing via the Southport Forgotten Bars & Clubs group.
“I always had an interest in the nightlife scene. My Dad, Ray Fitzsimmons, was a doorman in the 80s and 90s with Gary Spiers and my Mum, Pam Fitzsimmons, worked behind the bars in the same era in places like the El Tonel, Martins and New York’s.
“My parents even met in The West End!
“My Mum only passed away in January but always spoke fondly of her days behind the bar.
“My Father passed away many years ago, and my Mum’s partner of the last 30 years, she worked with in Martin’s bar.
“I am a huge dance music lover so I also post my favourite songs in the group too.
“I would love people to follow the group, share memories and also contribute by uploading any photos they have that were taken in the old bars, pubs and clubs.”
The group has become a cherished way of people reliving some of their happiest times, as well as reconnecting with people and sharing memories.
Dee said: “Many people have sent me messages to say the group has shown them photos of them with loved ones they never knew existed.
“Some have said they work in bars and people are talking about it locally wondering if they will pop up on the page.
“People have said it’s reminded them of good memories so the reaction has been really positive.”
- Do you have great memories or pictures of nights out in Southport in years gone by? Join Southport Forgotten Bars & Clubs and share your old photos and stories.
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