At its peak, Bridgwater was renowned for its lively weekend nightlife and a diverse array of clubs and pubs where locals could dance the night away. With a multitude of venues to choose from, revelers could easily hop between different spots until they found the perfect fit for the night.
Although many of these nightlife hotspots have closed their doors, undergone rebranding, or been demolished, several of them have left an indelible mark on the town’s cultural history. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through some of the iconic establishments that have faded into memory over the years in Bridgwater.
One such legendary venue was a club on St Mary Street, opened in July 1987, adorned with distinctive pink and silver decor. The club hosted the likes of glamour model and popstar Samantha Fox in the late 1980s and remains etched in local folklore. Today, the premises are home to Bar 27 and the Tudor Hotel and Restaurant.
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Fever, which succeeded the briefly popular Tiki Beach on Penel Orlieu, became a prominent nightlife destination with its multiple music rooms and affordable drinks. Despite its popularity, Fever eventually closed its doors and was transformed into “The Silver Tree,” a Chinese restaurant and takeaway.
Another notable establishment was a nightclub that formed part of Somerset’s nightlife scene, operated by the renowned Terry Clare. With a vast selection of drinks and free entry into the nearby Toffs nightclub, the place had its heyday in the 90s before closing down for reasons unknown to the public.
The iconic Pawlett Manor, also known as the Manor Freehouse, drew crowds with its electrifying music events before its closure in 1998 due to financial constraints. The property was eventually sold to developers who demolished the beloved rave venue to make way for housing.
Remedies, once a sports bar that transformed into a nightclub after dark, held its own allure with affordable shots, plentiful drinks, and a spacious dance floor. Despite its popularity, Remedies abruptly closed in 2013 and later rebranded as Club Icon, only to meet a similar fate.
In addition to these nightclubs, Bridgwater was also home to notable pubs such as Harley D’s and The Bridgwater Arms, where local residents gathered for memorable nights out before they closed their doors, leaving behind a cherished legacy.
Although these venues have since vanished, their impact on Bridgwater’s cultural fabric and nightlife scene continues to be remembered by those who frequented them during their heyday.
