A Liverpool city-centre nightclub that once served clubbers everything from Chicken Kiev to lasagne first called the site of the iconic Zanzibar home.
Back in November 1988, Emotions nightclub opened its doors for the first time at 43 Seel Street. Hosting different themed nights throughout the week, in its early days it was dubbed as "one of the best clubs in the North West."
Offering the "ultimate in nightclub experience," Emotions was open from 10.30pm to 2am every day and many will remember heading there every week for a night out. In March 1989, the Maghull & Aintree Star reported how Monday night was the Underdog night, with DJ Huey playing the very best in Northern and Indie music.
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The Teen Scene, featuring DJ Jimmy C, took place on Wednesday nights from 7pm till 10pm with £1 admission and there were at one point plans in the pipeline for live band nights. After a night out, many of us love a takeaway to enjoy whilst waiting for a taxi or to demolish when we get home.
And Emotions also catered to hungry clubbers with its extensive menu featuring everything from Chicken Kiev and lasagne to burgers, scampi and chips. One image, provided by our archives, Mirrorpix, shows what the Seel Street venue looked like in September 1989.
A neon sign hangs above the door, with the building promoting Marstons Ales. But it wasn't long before the popular club changed its face.
In 1991, the ECHO reported how police concern grew in the late when "the Acid House craze was in full swing, with allegations of drug taking and overcrowding in some nightspots." Venues raided by police and shut down in the last two years included Emotions.
At the time, the ECHO reported how Liverpool’s clubland won praise from undercover police for cleaning up its act on the drugs front. Back in business, the site was now known as The Circle Club.
A 90s advert printed in the Maghull & Aintree Star said The Circle Club was open 10pm till 2am every Friday, with Coconut Grove's Robbie Edwards and DJ Confusion performing weekly.
At the time, their Saturday nights remained packed with clubbers. At one point, entry was £2 with girls getting in for free before midnight and bottled drinks cost £1 all night.
What are your memories of 43 Seel Street? Let us know in the comments section below.
But 43 Seel Street is perhaps most well-known for being home to Zanzibar for over 30 years. Over the years, The Zanzibar Club has played host to stars such as The Kooks, Miles Kane, Noel Gallagher and The Libertines.
Known for its two distinct areas, the venue boasts an intimate atmosphere. In August 2020, The Zanzibar Club announced its shock closure, leaving fans "absolutely gutted." Well known across the city for championing grassroots music and hosting a range of rock and alternative music, the team at the time said the the impact of the coronavirus pandemic had led to the "heartbreaking decision to permanently close."
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But in November 2021, the popular bar reopened under new management. Officially reopening on November 6 that year, new owners invested in the venue to improve its sound system as well as extensive remodelling work, which retained many of the club’s much-loved, original features.
In the city today, many of us couldn't imagine life without Zanzibar on Seel Street. But some former clubbers still hold fond memories of when Emotions or The Circle Club called it home.
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