Lost Merseyside nightclub loved for 99p drinks nights and foam parties

The site was demolished nearly 20 years agoRitzy nightclub in Bromborough in 2007 before it was demolished(Image: Trinity Mirror)

It’s now been years since a lost Merseyside nightclub loved for 99p drinks nights and foam parties first opened its doors. Located at the Croft Retail Park, The Ritzy in Bromborough – and 5th Avenue next door – attracted hundreds of clubbers every week in the 90s and early 2000s.

Many will remember The Ritzy being known for playing club anthems, its themed nights, drink deals and foam parties. In its time, the club venue also welcomed a few famous faces and appeared on our TV screens.

Back in July 1992 – this time 33 years ago – ITV’s The Hitman and Her filmed a very special episode inside. Before the days of reality TV, The Hitman and Her gave the public a glimpse into nightlife in clubs, mainly across the North.

Host Michaela Strachan was the “Her” in the title, leading the show, whilst Pete Waterman was the “Hitman”, named for a long string of number one singles he’d written and produced. In the episodes, you’d see dancing, party games and special performances.

The ECHO previously uncovered the two-hour long episode of The Hitman and Her filmed at the Ritzy, which was a charity telethon special. The episode opens with Pete and Michaela welcoming viewers to the Ritzy, where Michaela, who is wearing a black baseball cap slightly pointed to the side and chunky gold jewellery, says: “This is a very special live show tonight.

Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan hosting The Hitman and Her at the Ritzy nightclub in Bromborough(Image: YouTube/Screengrab)

“The whole complex has been given over to the telethon here in Bromborough. Not only have we got a huge crowd here for a great party, they’ll also be showing movies at the cinema all night long in the projection room.”

Pete adds: “We’ll be doing bowling, too.” This is proven true when Michaela later scores a strike on her first attempt. Michaela then introduces the live musical guests of the night, which included KWS, Oceanic, and Smart E’s.

As the show was live, Pete and Michaela had a couple of mishaps when it came to pronouncing certain words, with “Wirral” occasionally being renamed “Worral.” In between the hosts talking to guests, the crowd can be seen dancing away to 90s classics, with the camera at one point panning over a group of clubbers enthusiastically dancing to Rhythm Is A Dancer.

Through the years, we have also shared ECHO readers’ memories of nights at The Ritzy. Ian Finlay started work at Ritzy and 5th Avenue on their opening night

He previously said: “It was a very exciting time. I ended up with having responsibility for the VIP bar when the Hitman and Her came to town.” Other ECHO readers remembered “gunge bucket” nights, 99p drinks nights, foam parties and seeing famous faces like Warrior from the Gladiators.

On our Facebook page, Karen Gunn previously said: “Lol used to frequent every Thursday, Friday, Saturday! Was on stage with Hitman and Her. Would love to see footage of that again! Remember crazy Charlie, Spike and Kieron. Met my hubby in there when Reg Holdsworth was there!”

Interior of the old Ritzy nightclub in Bromborough before its demolition The old Ritzy nightclub in Bromborough before its demolition(Image: TRINITY MIRROR COPYRIGHT/REACH CONTENT ARCHIVE)

Stue Edwards wrote: “Best night out ever there – flip and fill Madison Avenue with Safri duo bongo song live was immense night.” Jamie Dempsey said: “Had many a good nights in there and good fun on the bus back home afterwards. Remember the lights in the middle of the club looking like something off close encounter of the third kind lol. Good times.”

And Gill Entwistle remembered: “Wearing something white to glow in the UV lights of hotshots next door…then getting turned away several times at the over 25s 5th avenue (when we were 17)…Smirnoff mules and Archers and lemonade in the Ritzy…happy days!!”

But after years of incredible nights and memories, the popular nightclub closed its doors over 20 years ago. In January 2003, The Ritzy officially shut following complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour.

At the time, the ECHO reported: “Two of Wirral’s biggest nightclubs have closed after complaints about violence and disorder. The announcement followed talks between Merseyside Police and the management of the Ritzy and 5th Avenue nightclubs in Bromborough on Friday. The clubs, both owned by Luton-based Luminar Leisure, attract thousands from across the North West.

“A spokesman for Luminar, which only recently bought the venues, said: “The clubs have been closed with immediate effect while the company and the police review a number of issues. There is no timescale for this review and we cannot say when the clubs will reopen.

Interior of the old Ritzy nightclub in Bromborough before its demolition Final moments inside The Ritzy nightclub (Image: TRINITY MIRROR COPYRIGHT/REACH CONTENT ARCHIVE)

“The clubs were immensely popular with Bromborough residents and in the main trouble-free. However, we were recently made aware of the concerns of a small number of people and we are keen to put measures in place to allay those concerns.

“As a responsible operator of late-licensed venues we take our involvement and commitment to the local communities that we serve very seriously indeed.” A few years later, the building that housed the Ritzy and the neighbouring 5th Avenue club and Hotshots bar was demolished in 2007, with a gym being built in its place.

The Ritzy nightclub in Bromborough is demolished, 2007(Image: TRINITY MIRROR COPYRIGHT/REACH CONTENT ARCHIVE)

But last year, the ECHO uncovered a number of photos that captured the final moments of the club. Rediscovered in our archive, it has been 18 years since these photographs of The Ritzy’s demolition were taken.

In the photos, you can see what the loved building looked like inside during its last moments, as well as demolition taking place outside and the famous club logo being torn down. It’s now been years since the site welcomed clubbers, but its memory lives on.

Lost Merseyside nightclub loved for 99p drinks nights and foam parties

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