Iconic Nottingham venue to close

[Speedlimit]

Not sure if this has been done but in January 2020 the iconic soul club The Brit is to  close its doors for good. Too make way for extensions to the city ground. This is the venue I first djayed at in 78 having been collecting for 4 years I was given the chance by then residents John Poole and Andy Lee doing the warm up set  for the 1st hour. 3 years down the line I became the main resident with John and Gary Rushbrooke both leaving I continued for 2 more years with guest djs. We decided to call it a day. 2years later I was back  with Rich Broughton Derek Allen and Rob Smith playing the big Stafford sounds of the day. I recent years I've returned as a guest no longer living in Notts and will do so with fellow previous residents for one last time. 

 

What's your memories of this iconic venue 

[Blackpoolsoul]

Before Elton John played the Dodger Stadium, before Led Zeppelin hit and long before Bono was bothering the stage at Live Aid, these stars, amongst scores of others, were strutting their stuff on stage at a tiny Edwardian boat house, sat on the banks of the River Trent. 

Great iconic venue (dance floor always was a bit "wonky" though) 

 

Edited June 6, 2019 by Blackpoolsoul

[Speedlimit]

That's  the venue next door  the brit britannia's next to the football ground. The the boat as pictured a known local rock venue then then union which Mick H  ran for several years he now hosts soul nighters at the boat. But the Brit is the true Notts soul venue 

[Blackpoolsoul]

34 minutes ago, speedlimit said:

That's  the venue next door  the brit britannia's next to the football ground. The the boat as pictured a known local rock venue then then union which Mick H  ran for several years he now hosts soul nighters at the boat. But the Brit is the true Notts soul venue 

I know but it's all getting flattened  Photos inside venue here

 

 

Edited June 6, 2019 by Blackpoolsoul

[Dukeofburgundy]

I remember the Britannia in West Bridgford well (why was W Bridgford known as 'lard island?). It was such an incongruous place really but the music in the late 70s was essential for any self respecting soulboy. Nottingham had a Palais de danse  as well so we were very well served for dance venues.

In fact Nottingham was great for hearing soul records. Select-a-Disc provided the latest imports introducing me to many then unknown soul records whilst Rob's in Hurt's yard (?) was crammed full of old records. There were four record shops at least on the Alfreton Road. Then before they knocked it down in about 1976 there was a shop in The Meadows that specialised in soul, reggae and Forest and Notts football programmes. A long time past and hard to hang onto the memories at forty five years distance.

I'm sad the Brit disappeared in January 2019 but surprised it was still going.

Edited June 6, 2019 by Firecrest
additional info.

[Speedlimit]

There's 6 more nights to come at the brit before January 2020 yes remember the shops on Alfreton Rd found some great unknowns there in early 80's. We also had destiny records kev Roberts shop were robs shop is. The Brit was known for breaking many new sounds over the years to many to mention. Its a sad end to a great venue 

[Mick Boyle]

The 6 Brit nights booked are July - —. December and are listed on SS in events. Including John Poole, Steve Frost, Rich Broughton,   Mick H, Rob Smith, Glyn Sisson,        Nev Shooter, Steve Phillis, Alex Gallagher and myself. Some guests have also been booked.

Not wishing to hijack this thread with an events advert but it’s well worth knowing. 

[Blackpoolsoul]

2 hours ago, Firecrest said:

I remember the Britannia in West Bridgford well (why was W Bridgford known as 'lard island?). It was such an incongruous place really but the music in the late 70s was essential for any self respecting soulboy. Nottingham had a Palais de danse  as well so we were very well served for dance venues.

In fact Nottingham was great for hearing soul records. Select-a-Disc provided the latest imports introducing me to many then unknown soul records whilst Rob's in Hurt's yard (?) was crammed full of old records. There were four record shops at least on the Alfreton Road. Then before they knocked it down in about 1976 there was a shop in The Meadows that specialised in soul, reggae and Forest and Notts football programmes. A long time past and hard to hang onto the memories at forty five years distance.

I'm sad the Brit disappeared in January 2019 but surprised it was still going.

It was actually know as "bread and lard island"  in the belief that the population spend most of their money on big houses and fur coats, so they could only afford to eat bread and lard at home. (although Ken Clarke's dress sense always proved that theory incorrect)  The shop you refer to was bulldozed down and all the records were buried with it !!! Is their a plastic detector me wonders.. I got my sealed Ron Matlock LP from in there and Michael Henderson LP's from Alfreton Road

Edited June 6, 2019 by Blackpoolsoul