Mr George / Park Lane / Mr G's Club

I thought I had already uploaded this image, taken shortly after Mr G's had closed. The posters emblazoned all over the windows are advertising the "Major New Shopping Development coming to the City" - or better known as the "Lower Precinct".

Memories, eh? I have visited the place twice, in the olden days. The first time I did not get in. It was my stag night, and 6 of us had been playing snooker, followed by a curry at the Simla (favourite eating place, by the train station), assisted by one or two pints, and one of my mates suggested going to Mr G's. Unfortunately, one of them was wearing jeans, and a no-neck on the door said to him "you ain't coming in here mate" or words to that effect. All for one and one for all, we all turned and walked away. End of evening. Work the following day - my boss said he didn't expect me to be in a fit state for work! The irony is that the chap who was wearing jeans, and who had queered our pitch, had a well paid job plus company car that required him to be dressed in a suit. In fairness, the bloke who refused us entry probably wasn't a no-neck (I cannot remember), and was probably merely politely doing his job as instructed, but these days I'm happy to stereotype all "door control personnel" (if male) as no-necks. On the other occasion when I did get in, it was a girl's 21st birthday bash, and my ears were still ringing the following morning, such was the volume of the "music".

Was talked into going twice. Both times, I couldn't hear myself think, and have the recollection of under-age girls drinking Pernod and lemonade. No thanks.

I only went once with a couple of friends and we lasted about ten minutes as none of us particularly liked the music. I've never understood the philosophy of places that have a strict dress code. The vast majority of people I used to see causing trouble in the City Centre in the 70's and 80's weren't wearing jeans but usually "smartly" dressed often outside the very places that operated the dress code.

I've been surprised by how many people loved the place. I used to go there in 1973/74 because there were very few entertainment options available for teenage girls (no Pernod for me, couldn't afford it!). As soon as I got access to a car I never had a night out in the city centre again. I always felt Mr. George's was cramped and too orange. I much preferred the City Centre Club when it opened as it seemed much more spacious but again I was only marking time here.

Hello everyone on this thread! Great to read your memories of Mr George's which I frequented myself in the 1970s and had some memorable times! I'm now compiling a book about nightlife in Cov in the 1970s. Would any of you like to share your memories of Mr George's or any other nightclub/venue such as the Locarno, with me for consideration to go into this book? It will be a fun thing, an upbeat look at the city nightlife in that decade, and any photos would be much appreciated. You would be acknowledged in the book if your memories/pics are used. Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers! Ruth

Love the Forty Thieves (still have a ticket from there) and Mr George's. George Hendry was a friend of my dad's and mine. He lived in the same building as myself, there was only the two of us living in Hillman House in Corporation Street for many years. He had the penthouse and I had a apartment on the 11th floor. He had his beautiful wolfhound living with him and then later his girlfriend of many years whose mother Alice owned Alice Middleton's dress shop. My parents bought her shop in Ironmonger Row to turn it into a Wimpy, later MR BIG. George was a lovely kind guy, he came to one of my parties with his new beautiful fiancee who he later married and they had one son who I've been in contact with. He was not however a man to be messed with, known as Butcher of Glasgow - he did own butcher shops I believe. He owned several nightclubs and casinos in the UK including the Camden Palace in London with the F & H Entertainment Company. He retired to Stoneleigh Abbey and his villa in Spain but sadly died shortly after.

Hi Ace Great picture! I would love to see more if you have them. I'm writing a book about 1980s Coventry (a follow up to 1970s Coventry Dirty Stop Outs Guide.) This story in itself would be a lovely one to include in the new book, others would be welcome. Do get in touch if you can. Look forward to hearing. best wishes, Ruth

Just reading on FB of the passing of "Banger" Walsh