It’s now been 34 years since it first opened its doors
The Paradox nightclub in its heyday(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Clubbers from across Merseyside shared their fond memories of a much-loved venue famed for its DJ sets, foam parties and live music. Paradox, in Aintree, which first opened in 1991, attracted thousands each week and is still remembered as one of the region’s best nightclubs of the decade.
Over the years, it hosted famous singers and bands and numerous themed nights, including ABBA parties and a James Bond lookalike contest. But the site has a much longer history dating back to the 1920s when it was the Vernon Pools building.
When Vernon’s moved to new premises in the early 90s, the building became the Paradox nightclub. The nightclub closed in 2001 but many still reminisce about incredible nights at The Paradox.
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The Liverpool ECHO recently shared an old photograph of the now lost nightclub on our Facebook page. And former Paradox clubbers were quick to share their fond memories. Aesthetics RebeccaScarlett said: “These were some of the best nights during the 90s.
“No phones, everyone living their best lives, care free and where we all got on like best friends. Paradox and Manhattan over the way.”
The Paradox nightclub, Aintree. September 9, 1992(Image: Mirrorpix)
Ellie Mcguinness wrote: “Had my 18th birthday there in the VIP area if you could call it that. Best part my relatives ran the food bar – free burgers.” Josie Munro said: “I remember deciding to become a veggie one very drunken New Year’s Eve. Coming out of the club I asked the guy at the burger van does he have anything veggie. Yes, he very angrily replied fried onions – fried onions it was then.”
Steve Maloret said: “Best part of the Paradox was the Deja Vu retro side.” Mandy Smith wrote: “I use to work in the Manhattan facing it, so we were in there a lot.”
Joanne Hislop wrote: “Had many a good night in here, some really good memories. Nothing will ever beat it. Used to go every Saturday night and Bank Holidays. Everyone used to get the tickets if it was your birthday and you’d get in free. It was a birthday every week. Saw many good singers in there too and also doing the shout outs when Kev Seed used to give us the mic.”
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Sharon Waugh said: “Loved it there, met my hubby there over 30 years ago. Still happily married and I won the first car Radio City gave away there.” Cappa E Spada Bespoke Furniture Designs said: “Legendary Scouse gaff!.”
Sharon Heaps said: “Loved this place. Used to get the coach for £5 from St Helens town centre.” Jonathan O’Mara commented: “Used to get the Venga Bus from the Fusilier – good times.”
Andrew Flechsner wrote: “Use to go there all the time great memories and all the old school classics too with Kev Seed and JP the dancer on the floor.” Lisa Krol said: “Met my hubby there 30 years ago this month. What a club x.”
Jugglers outside the Paradox nightclub. September 22, 1994(Image: Mirrorpix)
Clint F Phillips said: “I remember seeing 2funky2 live there on boxing night 1993. Good night out.” Joanne Imms commented: “We got a coach or a bus from Skem to Paradox every Saturday I think it was.”
Karen Duffy commented: “Best club ever.” Vivien Hornby said: “Went on the opening night.”
Lee Baines Singer wrote: “Spent a lot of time in that place, loved it.” Bernadette Connor wrote: “My best nights were always in the Paradox.”
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Jemma Freeman said: “Was the best club around at that time. It was amazing, miss clubbing in there.” Paul Draper said: “Used to love going The Paradox, always had belting tunes in there, good memories.”
Barry Horne wrote: “Best nights of my life in there!!!!!!!.” And Amber Daley said: “My second home back in the day haha.”
In its time, many will remember The Paradox hosting hit TV show The Hitman and Her. Back in the late eighties and early nineties, the show aired on ITV’s Night Network and toured various nightclubs, filming clubbers dancing to popular hits in the charts and playing party games, as well as showcasing a number of celebrity performances.
Inside the former Paradox nightclub clock tower(Image: Courtesy of George Toohie)
Legendary amongst a generation, host Michaela Strachan was the “Her” in the title, leading the show, whilst Pete Waterman was the “Hitman”, named for a long string of #1 singles he’d written and produced over the years. When visiting the Paradox, the venue could be seen packed with clubbers who erupted into cheers when the DJ introduced the hosts.
But by January 2013, the building was torn down, having stood empty for years and becoming derelict. Urban Explorer George Toohey, from Dingle, ventured inside the iconic venue in 2011 and shared rare photos of what it looked like before it was demolished.
After the iconic structure was demolished, the site became home to a Sports Direct store with a gym attached. But many still have fond memories of the lost, legendary nightclub.