Coventry Pubs

I remember Studio 21 and its sister club Tomango's very well. I was a resident DJ at both clubs indeed I spent over 3 years at Tomango's and was known as" Mark Lawrence". I have added some old pics here me both upstairs and downstairs Tomango's and a copy of the original advertising leaflet used for Studio 21. My (medallion man) picture (why??). An old newspaper cutting which I was chuffed with being billed at the top before Bernard Manning. Great days indeed. Anyone who went to Tomango's may remember my party piece which started with Nite Fever into Oops Upside Your Head then a disco version of the conga which on some nights extended to both floors of the club. My night always ended with Richard Clayderman's Ballade pour Adelaide, as I said my goodbyes and thanked each member of the club staff by name. Great fond memories.

space/Mark - brilliant to see! What years were you there? I'm sure I may well have been on those very same dance floors around the same time so you may well have 'assisted' in some of my last dance moves

Great contribution Mark, thanks for popping in and uploading some 'memories', clubs were so much better back then.

Hello & welcome to our forum, Space1 You can see the response to your post. Brill!

Thank god Mark didn't have any pics of when I entered The World Disco Dancing championship which had heats at Tamango's around 1979-80

Where exactly was 'Studio 21' in relation to Spon Street and what years was it active? I left the city in 1979 but recall the old Royal Navy Club being sold and converted to some kind of nightclub in the mid seventies, would that have been it?

The building you refer to is in Watch Close. I can remember it being built because I dug the cellar out in my machine driving days. Date wise not sure, isn't it Laser Quest now? As for when it changed hands maybe other members will know more than me.

Thanks NormK, must be the one then as the poster above says Studio21, Watch Close. I remember it as the RNA Club.

Yes, Norm's correct - the club was in Watch Close and is still there and last I knew operated as Laser Quest though it looked like it was not in the best of condition the last time I saw it. The O'Briens used to own it. Their daughter Michelle and her mum used to collect the entrance fee inside the door. I was always quite keen on her - always immaculately dressed if I recall. It made for a different night out though 'The Lane' was my preferred haunt. Dig out the photos Deano!

I was at Studio 21 Xmas 1979 and moved to Tamango's in May1980, was resident DJ there for a year, took a year out and worked in Denmark and Spain and came back, re-established my resident DJ status till the later part of 1982 and moved on to new pastures. Strange I have heard no mention of Tiffany's with upstairs Bali Hai.

Yep indeed was Watch Close, I was DJing there in 79 and believe it was open before that for some years, previously the Robin Hood Club I believe.

No probs, They most certainly were!!! I have many more pics and stories to share which. I will do over the coming months. Thanks for your response.

Correct Neil, owned by John O'Brien, the manager at the time I was there was a really nice fella by the name of Peter Champs.

Anyone remember The Gas Tavern at the bottom of Mill Street and Cherry Street.