by gap74 » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:42 pm
I've been going to the Garage more or less since it opened in the early 90s, when I was a sprightly 18 year old. Back then, it was hellish to get in, I was one of a group of about ten once, and was the only one knocked back, despite quietly following on at the end of everyone with my arms folded!
But in later years, towards the end of the 90s and into the 00s, it was great - serious clubby types slagged me rotten, but I thought it provided honest, unpretentious daft dancing, it had no silly door policy regarding jeans and the like, and I ended up there several times a week after a long day working in the Odeon. The reciprocal free entry policy we had didn't do any harm either!
Sadly, at the ripe old age of 31, I have to wonder every time I go whether it's the last. Was last there about 2 months ago, and now manage an appearance about once every 6 months. The door policy had become draconian, with the slightest hint that, dear God no, you might have actually consumed alcohol on a night out being enough to have you sent packing.
I realise they had a duty of care, but it seemed to me that they were taking it just a bit too seriously - also saw folk who had gained entry getting huckled out later, not because they were falling down or sleeping, but just cos they looked a bit too drunk!
So although I have many happy memories of the place (and a few heart-wrenching, horrendous ones!), I think I'll call it a day now, and leave it to the folk 13 years younger than me! It's not exactly cheap these days either - although at least they've stopped selling Gold Beer (or was it Bier?), the budget bottled brand of Tennent's!.
Problem is, I can think of nowhere that is the equivalent for someone my age, an easy-going, no-frills place to get pished and have a daft dance.
It's a neglected part of social history, I think, the story of the city's nightclubs. Some come and go in the blink of an eye, but a place like the Garage actually has a long history, and links with the city's ballroom mania. Could make an interesting project one day....
Gary