Memories of nights out, iconic dance floors, and unforgettable tracks have been shared by readers, shining a light on clubs that helped define the region’s nightlife through the decades.
With so many clubs now gone, their legacy lives on in the stories and memories of those who once danced the night away.
In a conversation on social media, News Shopper readers were asked: “Which nightclubs do you miss the most in south east London?”
The response was swift and enthusiastic, with dozens naming venues from Beckenham to Dartford, each with their own stories and standout nights.
Michael Skipsey listed a long line-up of favourites, including Imperial Gardens in Camberwell Green, Bon Bonne in Herne Hill, Tee’s in Erith, Ceasers on the Old Kent Road, Flamingos in Woolwich, Bibas in Bromley, Langtrys in Beckenham, Churchils in Dartford and Dexter’s in Thamesmead.
Keely Hayes kept it brief, saying: “Bon Bonne, Gin Palace & Flicks.”
Others took the opportunity to share personal memories tied to these venues.
Angela Edgley took a trip down memory lane, recalling clubs dating back to the 1950s.
She said: “The Bromel Club, behind the Bromley Court Hotel, The Witch Doctor Catford, J Arthur’s Catford, Iron Curtain Orpington.”
For her, some were more dance halls or discos than nightclubs.
Angela added: “Great to be born in 1950.”
Others, like Sam Gorica, simply named: “The Venue, New Cross,” a multi-room club on Clifton Rise that opened in 1989 and became a staple for student nights, tribute gigs, and late-night dancing until its closure.
Debbie Jane Gill listed The Library in Zens, Dartford, The Marlow Rooms in Sidcup, and The Sahara Club in Lewisham.
Denise Noble was clear about her favourite.
She said: “Bon Bonne, Herne Hill. Best nightclub in south London.”
Steve Breakz reminisced about a much larger venue.
He said: “SEOne – the huge one that held 4000, it was turned into London Bridge station ticket hall.”
Paul Killick backed Sidcup’s entry with: “Marlowe rooms in Sidcup.”
Even the official Bon Bonne social media account joined the conversation.
A representative said: “Not that we are biased or anything, but there really is only one right answer!”
Mark Reed remembered the Lazy toad Beckenham, while Trev McGregor kept it simple.
He said: “Ts in Erith !!!”
Lou Donnelly linked two iconic nights out.
She said: “The Venue & The Frontier Post.”
Gary Taylor joined the Woolwich nostalgia with: “Flamingos Woolwich,” remembering the club that took over the old Hippodrome site on Wellington Street.
Neil Gowers listed several favourites.
He said: “T’s Erith, Lautrec’s Beckenham and The Station in Welling.”
Stephen Stride summed up the energy of a sorely missed jazz-funk haven just outside London.
He said: “Flicks in Dartford great music and great dancers Chris Hill, Jeff Young and Robbie Vincent great DJs.”
Mark Rodriquez remembered the Old Kent Road’s Frog and Nightgown, and Jules Williams mentioned Cheeks in Deptford.
Angela Edgley also recalled Biba’s Bromley and The Mistral/Tites Beckenham Junction station.
She said: “where I first met my late husband Toni who worked on the door with his mate John.”
Other names that emerged included Spooks, champs, Lautrecs, and The Frontier Post.
