A TRIP down memory lane has revealed just some of the long-lost nightclubs which were absolute destinations back in their heyday.
We’ve turned back the clock by asking you for your favourite nightclubs which are no longer with us and have asked for your fond memories.
From one destination popular with the stars, even having its own fountain, to a nightclub on a former ferry, it’s safe to say the North East has not disappointed over the years.
The Northern Echo has received hundreds of messages on social media from readers and clubbers after we asked you for your favourite earlier this week.
Tallying up the winners out of those clubs mentioned, we’ve put together the top seven that many of you really wish still existed.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts either by commenting on our social media, or dropping a comment in the section below.
The Tall Trees, Yarm
A venue which was renowned for its star-studded guests and appeal proved a quite the hit back in the day.
The Tall Trees, which later saw its nightclub - Club Macmillans - shut a decade ago, was renowned among revellers and clubbers for its intense dance floor and lighting.
Reliving some of their best nights at the Tall Trees, many described how their night outs there had been unrivalled.
Paul Stabler said: "The Tall Trees, when Judge Jules, Pete Tong and Russel Brand used to go.
"(There) used to be Lambos, Ferraris, Rolls Royces parked around the fountain - what a place, miss it."
Marie James added: "Absolutely top class nights had in that awesome place."
The venue was completely demolished following a fire a few years after it was closed as a hotel and conference hall.
The Top Hat, Spennymoor
The former Top Hat nightclub in Spennymoor proved a bit of a hit over the years, with decades of memories recounted earlier this week.
The club on the High Street was renowned for being a destination and many remember it from its days in the 1960s.
Artists from Brenda Lee to Freddie Star reportedly performed in the club and The Northern Echo was inundated with comments on how popular the club had been.
After closing down for good in 2014, the venue has been consigned to nightclub history.
On social media, Ann Reidy said: "The Top Hat in Spennymoor, the early 70s, (I) met my hubby there in 1973."
Pink Flamingo (Flammy), Darlington
Another popular one on our list, the Pink Flamingo nightclub on Victoria Road in Darlington.
Also known more affectionately as 'Flammy,' the club was a big name in the Bank Top end of the town for a number of decades.
The club later became Hogans, which earlier this year hit the headlines as plans emerged for its demolition.
Darlington Borough Council said the proposed demolition were part of large-scale plans to accommodate demands for rail travel in coming years.
Looking back, many Northern Echo readers mentioned "good times" at the Flamingo, with some remembering it from the 70s especially.
Trax nightclub and motel, St Helen Auckland
The former Trax nightclub and motel in Auckland Crescent, St Helen Auckland, lives on in nightclub history with many remembering it from its heyday in the 1980s.
Long gone, the once-thriving nightclub was razed to the ground after falling into a state of disrepair following its closure.
On social media, many shared their fond nights out and events at the venue - and more recently prompted some to call for a reunion of those who visited.
Mandy Ross said: "It may not have been the best, but Trax nightclub near West Auckland was much loved and frequented in the day, some great memories made there for the people of Bishop, West and surrounding area in the 80s."
Mardi Gras, Darlington
Another hugely popular venue that clubbers really missed was the Mardi Gras on Gladstone Street in Darlington.
The nightclub at the time aimed to be the "best in the area" and was remembered fondly with its dance floor being a particular talking point.
Later becoming the Escapade club in October 2004, the club received a series of refurbishments including a huge £1.5m refit just two years before.
Some described the club as being a "top night" under its guise as the Mardi Gras as others said it was their favourite place to dance for miles.
Tuxedo Royale, Middlesbrough
Some are unaware that they were actually two Tuxedo floating nightclubs in the North East.
Many remembered the Tuxedo Royale, a former car ferry built in the 1960s, which was turned into a nightclub and spent much of its time docked in Middlesbrough.
Its sister ship, the Tuxedo Princess spent the majority of its time under the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle.
The Royale was renowned for its revolving dancefloor, something which has was recalled by many Northern Echo readers.
The ship met its end in 2019 where it was towed from its final resting place in Middlesbrough to Seaton Port in Hartlepool for scrap.
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel