South Essex nightclubs we have lost over the years

The south of the country was once widely regarded as the place to be when it came to clubbing.

Sadly, over the years many of the iconic nightclubs in south Essex have closed.

Memories - Tots 2000 in 1997 (Image: Newsquest)

One of Southend’s most famous sites was TOTS, also known as Talk Nightclub, which closed after 40 years back in 2019.

Bosses at the time said: “This is a sign of the times whereby social media and bad media coverage of a geographical location have a devastating effect on leisure-based industry.”

Kings Club on Canvey was built in 1962, and even saw the likes of Take That perform there.

Nightclub - a foam party at Kings Club on Canvey in 1995 (Image: Newsquest)

Sadly, in the 2001, the doors closed for good after police raised serious concerns about violent incidents at the club during a licensing hearing.

Raquels is a nightclub in Basildon that closed in 1998 despite hosting homegrown talent such as Depeche Mode.

Just can’t get enough - Revellers at Raquels disco in Basildon (Image: Newsquest)

Basildon also lost Hats Disco, which first opened back in 1990.

Southend resident, Lesley Taylor, 56, said she has so many memories in places such as TOTS, Baker’s Bar, Turtle Bay, and Rains.

She said: “I think it is very sad to see these places close.

Fun - A night out at Rains in Southend (Image: Newsquest)

“They knocked down the building Turtle Bay was, TOTS is now a bowling alley, and Bakers Bar is gone.

“There isn’t many nightclubs in Southend anymore.”