Famous nightclub was 'instant success' when it opened 53 years ago

It's now been over half a century since a famous Merseyside nightclub first opened its doors and was an "instant success." Located in New Brighton, for years clubbers headed to the legendary Chelsea Reach, which became a popular venue for people in the area and the wider region.

Opening back in 1971, the club was named in honour of Chelsea Reach in London. Many will remember it was owned by John Chase and the last owner of the original Cavern, Roy Adams.

In the early days, John's younger brother Paul, now 74, worked on the doors, before becoming manager of the much-loved club between 1979 and 1985, the ECHO previously reported. The club opened at a time when it wasn't just city centres that had attractive nightclubs and discos were a fairly new concept.

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As part of the Liverpool ECHO's How It Used To Be series, we previously spoke to Paul Chase about the history of one of Merseyside's most famous clubs and the changing face of the areas nightlife scene. Paul said the club was an "instant hit" when it first opened its doors, now 53 years ago.

Paul previously told the ECHO: "We found this empty semi-derelict premises on the front in New Brighton which had previously been called the Royal Ferry Hotel. We bought that premises and converted it into the first pub disco north of Watford Gap and called it The Chelsea Reach.

"Up until that point, nightclubs in the area had a dancefloor with a jukebox on it and you'd have a live band who would do a couple of sets. So The Chelsea was the first place to offer a disco back in the early 1970s.

"It opened in 1971 and I worked on the door there. It was an instant success and it attracted people from all over the Wirral and from Merseyside more generally. It attracted a very trendy, upmarket crowd.

"Within 12 months, every nightclub on the Wirral had turned to disco. The 1970s as the era of disco."

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Paul said that The Chelsea Reach became popular "right from the get go" and was "clearly meeting a need that wasn't being met." In the days before social media advertising and music equipment was what we know it to be today, the Chelsea arguably paved the way for the clubs we've come to love in the present.

Paul said: "The inside was very Victorian, it was lots of wood panelling, lots of archways. It was decorated inside with lots of antiques - we had things like antique prams hanging from the walls, hanging from the ceilings.

"It was very much a disco pub rather than a nightclub to start with. It was only open till midnight initially and the over the years it became more of a nightclub, it opened until 2am.

"Young people flocked to it. You don't start a business unless you expect it to be successful but I think it definitely succeeded our best expectations in the early years."

Catering for mainstream and popular music most of the week, many former clubbers will also remember the New Romantics nights every Tuesday at The Chelsea Reach. Brilliant photographs help continue to keep the club's memory alive, such as the work of Tom Wood, also known as The Photie Man.

A standout memory for Paul was when in 1973, Paul McCartney and Wings filmed their comeback special at The Chelsea Reach. Paul managed the club until 1985, before moving to The Grand until the 1990s. After leaving the industry for some time, Paul returned to The Chelsea Reach in the late 90s and then went on to run the Pulse club in Liverpool.

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But years later, The Chelsea Reach was no more. Paul said: "It was the end of an era. Since then licensing law has changed, the nightclub businesses as such has seen a significant decline throughout the country.

"There’s maybe only a quarter of the nightclubs there were back in the 70s and 80s now and they're all located in big city centres rather than the satellite towns." In 2010, the building was converted into an apartment building, consisting of 30 flats called the Pier House.

Last year the ECHO also reported how the roof of the iconic nightclub was also up for sale. But many still reminisce about the days of The Chelsea Reach in New Brighton.

Paul said: "I have fond memories of it, I met lots of really good people there,. I enjoyed running it, but it was a challenge holding it together and making sure that most people had a good night out and got home safely.

"I meet people today who say I loved The Chelsea Reach, it was a huge part of my growing up, I met my future wife or future husband there and we had great times and we have great memories. What I feel proud about is the fact that I played a part in creating those opportunities and creating those memories for people."

Last year, many former clubbers shared their fond memories of The Chelsea Reach, which closed its doors decades ago. On the Liverpool ECHO's website, Greenlea commented: " I remember Monday nights at the Chelsea Reach, used to be packed out and bouncing - always a great night. Loved the place, happy memories."

Kwtfm commented: "Started going there when it opened in 1971 and had my 21st there December 72. Got the upstairs bar at no charge off John Chase as we got to know him well and Paul was looking after the door.

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"John also let us have our wedding party there in March 1975, so many happy memories. Nothing like it these days."

On our Facebook page, Stephen Ocquaye said: "Great Sunday nights had in there." Kimberley Hughes wrote: "Some of the best nights of my life in The Chelsea."

Martin McKinney said: "Sunday nights upstairs, awesome." Carol Llewellyn said: "I loved Sunday nights, best times."

Mal Thory commented: "I was a DJ there for many years." And Barbara Aston posted: "Loved The Chelsea Reach went there a few times."