{"id":383689,"date":"2025-08-29T23:39:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T23:39:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/383689\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T23:39:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T23:39:13","slug":"popular-nightclub-loved-in-the-90s-that-nothing-will-ever-beat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/383689\/","title":{"rendered":"Popular nightclub loved in the 90s that &#8216;nothing will ever beat&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s now been 34 years since it first opened its doors<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_A-20th-anniversary-Paradox-reunion-is-lined-up-to-celebrate-the-nightclub.jpg\" alt=\"20th anniversary Paradox reunion\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>The Paradox nightclub in its heyday(Image: Liverpool Echo)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Clubbers from across <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Merseyside Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Merseyside <\/a>shared their fond memories of a much-loved venue famed for its DJ sets, foam parties and live music. Paradox, in <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/aintree\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"AintreeLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Aintree<\/a>, which first opened in 1991, attracted thousands each week and is still remembered as one of the region&#8217;s best nightclubs of the decade.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Over the years,<a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/lost-1990s-liverpool-venue-best-25261116\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" it hosted famous singers and bandsLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\"> it hosted famous singers and bands<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When Vernon&#8217;s moved to new premises in the early 90s, the building became the Paradox nightclub. <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/nostalgia\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The nightclub closed in 2001 Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The nightclub closed in 2001 <\/a>but many still reminisce about incredible nights at The Paradox.<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/whats-on\/whats-on-news\/tucked-away-merseyside-restaurant-thats-32367001\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32367001\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tucked away Merseyside restaurant that&#8217;s like a corner of Spain<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/dads-daily-trip-through-liverpool-32365658\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32365658\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dad&#8217;s daily trip through Liverpool inspired famous empire<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The Liverpool ECHO Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Liverpool ECHO <\/a>recently shared an old photograph of the now lost nightclub on our <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/facebook\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a> page. And former Paradox clubbers were quick to share their fond memories. Aesthetics RebeccaScarlett said: &#8220;These were some of the best nights during the 90s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/history\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"&quot;No phones,Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;No phones,<\/a> everyone living their best lives, care free and where we all got on like best friends. Paradox and Manhattan over the way.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_JS261642621.jpg\" alt=\"Outside view of the Paradox nightclub, Aintree. September 9, 1992\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>The Paradox nightclub, Aintree. September 9, 1992(Image: Mirrorpix)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Ellie Mcguinness wrote: &#8220;Had my 18th birthday there in the VIP area if you could call it that. Best part my relatives ran the food bar &#8211; free burgers.&#8221; Josie Munro said: &#8220;I remember deciding to become a veggie one very drunken New Year&#8217;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 &#8211; fried onions it was then.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Steve Maloret said: &#8220;Best part of the Paradox was the Deja Vu retro side.&#8221; Mandy Smith wrote: &#8220;I use to work in the Manhattan facing it, so we were in there a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Joanne Hislop wrote: &#8220;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&#8217;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/19-things-loved-loathed-school-32357306\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32357306\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">19 things we loved or loathed from our school dinners in Liverpool<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/lost-liverpool-supermarket-prices-paid-32356626\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32356626\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lost Liverpool supermarket and the prices we paid 44 years ago<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sharon Waugh said: &#8220;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.&#8221; Cappa E Spada Bespoke Furniture Designs said: &#8220;Legendary Scouse gaff!.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sharon Heaps said: &#8220;Loved this place. Used to get the coach for \u00a35 from <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/st-helens\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">St Helens<\/a> town centre.&#8221; Jonathan O&#8217;Mara commented: &#8220;Used to get the Venga Bus from the Fusilier &#8211; good times.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Andrew Flechsner wrote: &#8220;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.&#8221; Lisa Krol said: &#8220;Met my hubby there 30 years ago this month. What a club x.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2_Paradox-nightclub-Aintree-double-act-jugglers-at-club-1994.jpg\" alt=\"Jugglers outside the Paradox nightclub in Aintree, September 22, 1994\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Jugglers outside the Paradox nightclub. September 22, 1994(Image: Mirrorpix)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Clint F Phillips said: &#8220;I remember seeing 2funky2 live there on boxing night 1993. Good night out.&#8221; Joanne Imms commented: &#8220;We got a coach or a bus from Skem to Paradox every Saturday I think it was.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Karen Duffy commented: &#8220;Best club ever.&#8221; Vivien Hornby said: &#8220;Went on the opening night.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Lee Baines Singer wrote: &#8220;Spent a lot of time in that place, loved it.&#8221; Bernadette Connor wrote: &#8220;My best nights were always in the Paradox.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/21-things-youll-likely-remember-32376831\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32376831\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">21 things you&#8217;ll likely remember about school days in 00s Liverpool<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/30-baby-names-boys-girls-32373120\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32373120\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">30 baby names for boys and girls that were popular 60 years ago<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Jemma Freeman said: &#8220;Was the best club around at that time. It was amazing, miss clubbing in there.&#8221; Paul Draper said: &#8220;Used to love going The Paradox, always had belting tunes in there, good memories.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Barry Horne wrote: &#8220;Best nights of my life in there!!!!!!!.&#8221; And Amber Daley said: &#8220;My second home back in the day haha.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">In its time, many will remember The Paradox hosting hit TV show <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/lost-merseyside-nightclubs-hosted-hit-24646537\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"The Hitman and HerLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">The Hitman and Her<\/a>. Back in the late eighties and early nineties, the show aired on ITV&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_JPR_LEC_030915Paradox_17.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the former Paradox nightclub clock tower\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/>Inside the former Paradox nightclub clock tower(Image: Courtesy of George Toohie)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Legendary amongst a generation, host Michaela Strachan was the &#8220;Her&#8221; in the title, leading the show, whilst Pete Waterman was the &#8220;Hitman&#8221;, named for a long string of #1 singles he&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">But by January 2013, the building was torn down, having stood empty for years and becoming derelict. Urban Explorer George Toohey, from <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/dingle\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Dingle<\/a>, ventured inside the iconic venue in 2011 and shared rare photos of <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/news\/nostalgia\/gallery\/final-days-inside-landmark-nightclub-29003730\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"what it looked like before it was demolished.Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">what it looked like before it was demolished.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It&#8217;s now been 34 years since it first opened its doorsThe Paradox nightclub in its heyday(Image: Liverpool Echo)&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":383690,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8815],"tags":[1959,748,8915,393,4884,2348,179,8838,12459,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-383689","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-liverpool","8":"tag-aintree","9":"tag-britain","10":"tag-clubs","11":"tag-england","12":"tag-great-britain","13":"tag-history","14":"tag-liverpool","15":"tag-nostalgia","16":"tag-sefton","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115114696047410482","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/383689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=383689"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/383689\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/383690"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=383689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=383689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=383689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}