Reminiscing About Hollywood Nightclub Romford

Step back in time to the era of Essex nightclubs, where the music was loud, the drinks were flowing, and the dance floor was packed with revellers. One of Essex’s most iconic nightlife establishments was Hollywoods in Romford, a venue that occupies a special corner of the hearts of countless Essex residents.

A Glimpse Back in Time

Hollywoods Romford, a legendary nightclub, made its debut in the 1980s and swiftly ascended to prominence as a favoured destination for Essex locals and visitors alike. The club was renowned for its energetic lively atmosphere, diverse music selection, and welcoming staff.

Search Blokey’s full range of Hollywood Romford Merchandise

Some Hollywood Romford History

Hollywood Romford

The concept of Hollywood began back in 1984. The club, built on an old coal site, enabled Urban Leisure a building company  with innovative ideas and design team “Bulldog” to create the first purpose built club in the UK.

Together they turned the site into the famous Hollywood Nightclub, Essex’s largest and most successful nightspot.

With a budget of £3.5M they set to work creating Hollywood; it’s name and design concept, scouring Europe and the USA for ideas. Hollywood was one of the first clubs to introduce state of the art technology and ended up undergoing several refurbishments. The club manager at the time, Kerpal Baines, said “We chose Essex as a base because the area was literally screaming out for a club, we’ve managed to fill a great void in the lives of clubbers. We came up with the Hollywood name as it epitomised what we wanted the club to represent; Hollywood equals glamour and ritz. It’s always topical and everyone who enters the club is a star.” Even the road name it sat in, Atlanta Boulevard had a real touch of glamour to it’s name, unlike many other historic Romford street names.

First Continental graced the scene in 1990, taking over from Urban Leisure, and reviving it’s old image, brought Hollywood into the 90’s by keeping in touch with up and coming trends, and the changing requirements of the clubbers.

A Hub of Nostalgia

For many, Hollywoods Romford represented more than just a nightclub; it was a haven where cherished memories were crafted, and lasting friendships were forged. It offered a space for people to unwind, dance the night away, and momentarily forget about life’s burdens.

Essex Nightclubs: A Cultural Phenomenon

Essex nightclubs, akin to Hollywoods Romford, embodied a cultural phenomenon during the  1980s and 1990s. These establishments provided a platform for self-expression, socialization with friends, and immersion in the latest musical trends. Hollywood itself entertained the crowds with Ant & Dec (then PJ & Duncan), Take That, and Peter Andre amongst the big name stars to perform at the club.

The Enduring Legacy of Hollywoods Romford

While Hollywood Romford shut its doors in the early 2000s, its legacy endures in the hearts and minds of those who frequented the establishment. The club’s distinctive logo, remains etched in the memories of people now in their 40’s 50’s and 60’s. The logo is now  a popular design for t-shirts and mugs. Many still fondly recall their unforgettable nights at Hollywoods.

Reliving the Nostalgia

If you’re seeking a means to rekindle the nostalgia of Essex nightclubs, explore the Hollywood Romford nightclub-themed mugs and t-shirts available at Blokey.co.uk. These items serve as perfect mementos for reliving the good times experienced at Hollywoods Romford.

Preserving the Fond Memories

Although Hollywoods Romford is no longer in operation, it will forever reside in our memories. The club held a special place in the hearts of many, and its memories will persist for years to come. You can join the Hollywood Romford Facebook page and share old photos and memories with other fans of the nightclub.

Essex Nostalgia: A Cherished Relic

Essex nostalgia is a powerful thing, and for many people, Hollywoods Romford is a symbol of a bygone era. The club was a place where people could escape the everyday and experience something truly special.

An Enduring Influence

Hollywoods Romford may have faded from the nightlife scene, but its impact on Essex nightlife remains indelible. The club set the benchmark for other establishments to follow and was a trailblazer in the Essex nightclub scene.

A Precious Segment of Essex’s Past

Hollywoods Romford stands as a cherished fragment of Essex’s history, with its memories destined to be passed down through generations. The club was a genuine Essex institution, one that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

We’ve reproduced some Hollywood Romford Nightclub Gift Mugs and T-shirts, if your parents still talk about the legendary Romford hotspot then we guarantee that they will love a gift to remind them of those heady Romford nights:

Hollywood Romford Retro T-Shirt Design
Hollywood Romford Gift Mug
Hollywoods Romford Sweatshirts

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

When did Hollywood’s Romford close?

Hollywoods Romford closed its doors in the early 2000s.

Where was Hollywoods nightclub Romford?

Hollywoods nightclub Romford was situated on Atlanta Boulevard, just off South Street in Romford, Essex. It was the first purpose built clubs in the UK, with most other nightclubs rising from the ashes of old cinemas or ballrooms.

Who owned Hollywoods in Romford?

Hollywoods in Romford was under the ownership of the Quirk family from Essex. They also went on to open another Hollywood Nightclub in Ipswich. Urban Leisure went on to sell the club in the 90’s to First Continental.

What was the former nightclub in Basildon?

The former nightclub in Basildon was known as Raquels.

What other nightclubs were around in Romford at the time?

There were a few nightclubs in Essex during the 1990’s, Secrets Nightclub was in Angel Way Romford, and sat beside Amelia’s Bar, providing pub and club entertainment to a mainly older crowd than Hollywood did. Secrets had an an “over 25’s” night each week, and was well know for gents having to wear shirt and trousers, no jeans or trainers were ever allowed at the time. There was also Ritzy Nightclub in Romford which was inside the Liberty Shopping centre. Finally, we had Charmers bar, which went on to be called The Cellar Bar in Romford, named after the fact it was a club in a basement below shops and restaurants in South Street Romford.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post reminiscing about Hollywoods Romford. If you have any memories of the club, we invite you to share them in the comments below.