A final farewell to an icon: Remembering Park Lane the heart of Shrewsbury’s nightlife

The former Park Lane nightclub in Shrewsbury has finally been demolished, marking the end of an era.

This building held a special place in my heart—a backdrop to countless nights spent with friends.

When I turned 18, the excitement of finally entering this legendary nightclub was exhilarating. Options for continuing the night were limited back then: Pews, a tiny club in Abbey Foregate that later became Embassy and Manhattans, or The Buttermarket, reserved for the over-25s with a strict dress code demanding trousers, shirts, and shoes. Imagine a club with a dress code! Today, anything goes.

Pubs closed at 11 pm, so nights out required meticulous planning. Without mobile phones, we coordinated with landlines and face-to-face meetups. Lager, cider, and Guinness were staples; alcopops had yet to be created although Two Dogs made its debut around 1993, a lemon flavoured alcoholic beverage that is widely considered to have been the "world’s first brewed alcoholic lemonade, then followed by Hooch, before the market exploded with options like Reef and RED.

The Fridge: Shrewsbury’s Alternative Scene

One of my earliest night-out memories was at The Fridge, next to Park Lane. Accessed by outdoor stairs, it was known for alternative music and a rock vibe. The setup was simple: a small dance floor surrounded by mirrors, a DJ with two turntables, and not much else. Seating was sparse, so we sat on the floor, but the energy was unforgettable!

Park Lane: The Place to Be

Queues snaked around the corner to get into Park Lane, especially if you arrived late. While manageable on warm evenings, the winter queues, often accompanied by rain, were a different beast. But it was a social experience in itself, a chance to chat with others as you patiently inched towards the entrance, always a touch nerve-wracking as you awaited the bouncer's verdict.

The cash desk was on the left as you entered, with entry fees increasing as the night progressed. I can't recall if a coat check-in was available, but it was always a hassle to bring your coat out and rather uncool, plus it would cost you extra to put your coat up which was much-needed money for the bar!

Inside the club

Ascending the stairs, you were met by the pulsating beat and vibration of the music, it made the whole place shake. The air was thick with the aroma of cigarettes, a far cry from today's smoke-free environments. Strip lights flashed away on the ceiling of the dancefloor and if you timed it right it would be heaving with people engrossed in the 90s vibe. Navigating to the bar was an obstacle course in itself, followed by the challenge of securing your drink amidst the throng.

The dance floor, a couple of steps below the main level, became increasingly treacherous as the night wore on. You could also circumnavigate the dance floor, navigating the sticky carpet and making sure your drink was protected at all times from spillage.

A small kitchen in the corner, with a glowing neon sign which said "food", offered a welcome respite, serving food that was always a godsend after a night of drinking, although it was so dark you had no idea what you were consuming, it was hot and dripping with calories and that’s all that mattered.

Park Lane was a social hub, a guaranteed place to encounter familiar faces. However, vigilance was key; troublemakers were not uncommon, and the occasional altercation on the dance floor was inevitable, you knew it was time to exit the dancefloor when a space would appear and everyone would shuffle back, just as you remember a playground scuffle.

At some point, the doors to The Fridge were opened, expanding the club's footprint. The Fridge eventually closed, transforming into Liberty's – venue bar, a more conventional club with seating.

Closing Time and After Hours

Park Lane's closing time was 2 am. If you were lucky, you'd be enjoying a slow dance with a newfound acquaintance. Otherwise, it was a long walk home or a scramble for a taxi. Most of us gravitated towards Mr. Chips in Castle Foregate or Al Piccolino’s for a much-needed pizza, patiently awaiting our number to be called.

Tiffany’s Nightclub Shrewsbury: A Legendary Start

Many may remember Park Lane by its earlier name, Tiffany's, a venue that hosted legendary acts like Motorhead, The Jam, and The Stone Roses.

Tina from Albrighton recalls, "I used to love Tiffany's. I was quite naughty, only 16, so I had to invent a new birthdate to sneak in. I remember queuing to get up the stairs and, at the end of the night, grabbing food from the catering van outside before heading home."

The Final Chapter

Park Lane eventually closed its doors, undergoing a major refurbishment to become Liquid and Diva. For many, this might have been their first experience of this iconic nightclub. It later transformed into Onyx and Blue, followed by the short-lived Club Inferno, before finally closing its doors for good in 2017.

Park Lane holds a treasure trove of cherished memories. Its demolition evokes a tinge of sadness, a poignant reminder of a bygone era and the passage of time. It also serves as a stark contrast to the clubbing experiences of today's youth, dominated by the constant presence of mobile phones. Back then, it was all about the music, dancing, the conversations, and yes, the drinks.

This might be a reminder that the once-mighty nightclub is slowly fading into the annals of history!

Farewell Park Lane and thanks for the memories!

Article and Memories by Martin Childs