By Pilaf Loor
Plans have been submitted to rebuild the iconic Kingsway nightclub and casino in Southport.
It is part of the drive to restore the seaside town’s rich heritage, with spectacular results seen at The Grand and with work being undertaken to restore The Garrick on Lord Street and the Leo’s Bar / Thorp’s Tavern building on Nevill Street.
Sir Tom Jones – who was among performers to play at The Kingsway in the 1960s – will perform especially at the opening, on 1st April 2026.
The scheme will progress quickly in order to have the venue ready in time for The Open Golf Championship coming to Royal Birkdale next summer. It will be a new attraction for Southport where golf fans from around the world can go for a great night out with retro drinks like Babycham, Mad Dog 20/20, Hooch, Blue WKD and Cinzano.
Southport has lacked a casino since Genting Casino closed its doors on The Promenade, with a casino element due to be included in the scheme.
The Kingsway earned its place in music folklore when it was the first ever venue where the ‘Fab Four’ Beatles line up – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – played their first ever gig together.
Other international stars to perform there included Engelbert Humperdinck, Lulu, and Cilla Black.
The Kingsway was destroyed in a fire on 6th September 2010, and the new landmark aims to rise like a phoenix from the flames.
Kingsway Developments spokesperson Farad Soliploy said: “Southport has a rich history of great nightclubs.
“We’ve had Follies; Manhattans; Palm Court; Toad Hall; Tiffany’s and more.
“But The Kingsway was always the King of nightclubs in this town.
“And what a superb opening guest!
“Seeing Sir Tom Jones at The Kingsway? It’s not unusual.
“Sir Tom played here many times in the 1960s and 1970s, and he’s very excited about returning. For him, playing at the Kingsway again will feel like he’s back in the green, green grass of home.
“‘Why, why, why, Delilah, did it close?’, he asked me recently.
“Southport is enjoying a heritage renaissance at the moment, with some of the town’s most iconic buildings being brought back to life.
“A recent consultation asking people which heritage site they most wanted to see reopened saw The Kingsway the overwhelming favourite.
“We’re making the club as authentic as possible. Get ready for a long queue to get in.
“We’ll have bouncers in black tie checking that no-one’s wearing jeans or trainers. If your shoes aren’t smart enough – or they don’t like the look of you – you’re not getting in.
“They’ll be checking handbags for people sneaking drinks in.
“The Berlin bar is making a comeback on the ground floor.
“In The Kingsway we’re charging a fiver to get in, with cheesy 80s music on the first floor and dance music on the top floor.
“We managed to save The Kingsway playlist from the fire so all the old numbers are coming back, including the slow numbers just before 2am.
“When people leave, they’ll be able to get a kebab from Turkish Delight and then have a long queue for a taxi.
“It’s going to be the best night out in the UK.”
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