Images unearthed from the Manchester Evening News archives tell the story of the last days of one of Greater Manchester’s most famous clubs.
The old Quaffers Hotel and Country Club – or just Quaffers – in Bredbury, Stockport, rocked to the sound of some of the biggest names in the music world for over 20-years.
Shirley Bassey, The Stylistics and the Drifters were among the stars that performed on the venue’s impressive hydraulic stage.
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The Hollingworth Road club was also a hot favourite with celebrities and sports stars such as George Best.
The club, with its capacity of 2,600, operated a strict door policy. This means no men wearing earrings, no visible tattoos or facial jewellery and no shaven heads.
Owned by multi-millionaire hotelier Douglas ‘Dougie’ Flood, Quaffers was the place to be for many in the ’70s and ’80s. But the final curtain came down on the club in December 1998.
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Recently, we’ve rediscovered photos in our archives taken just before and during the process of the legendary nightclub’s demolition in 2004 to make way for a DIY store.
So if you were a Quaffers regular, prepare to get misty-eyed and take one last look around the old nightclub below for old times’ sake. Just remember to close the door on your way out.
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Do these awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
View of the extravagant interior of Quaffers in its heyday
(Image: David Jarratt)Party-goers at Quaffers in Stockport – 1980s
(Image: Facebook/Quaffers)Outside Quaffers just before its demolition in 2004
(Image: Jason Lock)Walking through those doors into the foyer one last time
(Image: Men)Furniture stacked up in preparation for the building’s demolition
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(Image: Men)Lighting and furniture slowly being dismantled
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(Image: Men)Last look at this legendary dancefloor
(Image: Men)A peek in the dressing room once used by the biggest stars
(Image: Men)Quaffers even had its own monogramed plates
(Image: Men)Many a fine meal would have been prepared in the Quaffers kitchen
(Image: Men)One last look for old times’ sake
(Image: Jason Lock)Bulldozers start the demolition
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
