Tell us which Southampton bar or nightclub you want back

Is it the electric energy of a legendary club, the cosy atmosphere of a beloved pub, or the live music that filled a forgotten venue?

Cast your vote below and let’s see which venue our readers would bring back to the city’s nightlife.

Today we will be looking at 10 venues from the past, but will focus on more establishments in future articles.

We will eventually pit the winners of each against one another.

Cast your vote at the bottom of this story.

If you have particular venues you would like to see added, let us know in the comments section below.

Top Rank

A Southampton institution, Top Rank nightclub, left an indelible mark on the city's nightlife scene.

Located in Banister Park, the venue once occupied the site of the stadium. Its revolving stage hosted a plethora of renowned performers, making it a beloved local landmark.

Opened in the mid-1960s, Top Rank introduced Southampton to a new era of entertainment. The nightclub, dance hall, and disco under one roof quickly became a popular destination, attracting hundreds of visitors nightly.

Known as The Mayfair in its later years, the venue offered a unique experience. A grand balcony overlooked the expansive dance floor, surrounded by a bar and seating.

Top Rank was renowned for its vibrant pop groups, lively parties, and thrilling roller discos. It also hosted elegant dinner dances for local clubs. Notable events included the Southampton Press Ball, featuring cabaret performances by renowned artists like Jimmy Tarbuck, Ted Ray, The Brothers Lee, and Roy Castle.

Adam and Eve

A hidden gem of Southampton's 1960s and 1970s nightlife, the Adam and Eve Discotheque Club was a vibrant hub of entertainment.

Located near Spa Road, the club was a popular destination for those seeking a night out filled with music and excitement. It hosted performances by leading pop artists of the era.

Colin Bull, a friendly and welcoming figure, greeted patrons at the club's entrance. Visitors often came to catch a glimpse of iconic figures like the late DJ John Peel.

The Adam and Eve boasted a unique decor, featuring tiger-striped wallpaper, drums, and shields – exotic elements for the time. Some staff members even wore leopard skin print dresses.

Ikon and Diva

Ikon and Diva, two interconnected clubs that catered to different age groups, were once prominent fixtures in Southampton's nightlife scene.

Located within the sprawling Leisure World complex, these vibrant venues offered unique experiences for partygoers of all ages. Ikon, with its energetic and youthful atmosphere, was a popular destination for those seeking an unforgettable night out. The club's Ibiza-style foam parties were particularly renowned, creating a mesmerizing and exhilarating experience.

Diva, on the other hand, catered to a slightly more mature crowd. This venue was ideal for those seeking a more upscale and exclusive nightlife experience.

The interconnected nature of Ikon and Diva allowed patrons to seamlessly transition between the two clubs, depending on their mood and preferences. This unique feature added to the venues' appeal, making them a popular choice for groups of friends with diverse tastes.

In 2008, Ikon and Diva were replaced by the enormous multi-themed venue Oceana, which quickly became a dominant force in Southampton's nightlife scene. However, even the mighty Oceana faced the challenges of time and change, eventually closing its doors in 2021.

While Ikon and Diva may no longer be part of Southampton's nightlife landscape, their legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced their vibrant atmospheres and unforgettable nights. The clubs' unique offerings and interconnected design set a precedent for future venues, inspiring a new generation of entertainment concepts.

Barbarella's

Barbarella's, a distinctive yet unassuming building, stood beneath the imposing Arundel Towers on Portland Terrace.

Designed with a whimsical, castle-like facade, the structure was a curious anomaly. Its concrete exterior, though meant to evoke an ancient fortress, gave it a slightly otherworldly appearance, almost as if an alien spacecraft had landed.

The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse, a prominent Southampton pub located at the corner of Carlton Crescent and Bedford Place, was renowned for its expansive glass facade.

The abundance of windows, which gave the pub its distinctive name, allowed for ample natural light and created a bright and inviting atmosphere. This, combined with the pub's friendly ambiance and comfortable seating, made it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Over the years, Windows underwent a series of transformations, rebranding as The Wine Bar and later as Yuzu Lounge Bar. The building's versatility was further demonstrated when it was divided into two separate establishments: Shrimp and Burger restaurant and Rumba bar.

In a surprising twist, the building was reunited a few years later when it was acquired by the restaurant chain XOXO.

It is now occupied by 7Bone burger joint.

Goblets

Goblets, a hidden gem nestled in a charming cellar, was a beloved Southampton bar that offered a unique and intimate atmosphere.

Adorned with music memorabilia and featuring a free jukebox, Goblets provided a nostalgic and immersive experience for patrons. The cozy booths created a sense of intimacy, while the upstairs section offered a vantage point overlooking the bustling street.

While Goblets closed its doors in 2017, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who frequented its cosy and inviting space. 

The venue's transformation into Belgium and Blues marked a new chapter in its history, offering a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

Rhino

The Rhino, a cornerstone of Southampton's underground music scene, opened its doors in the late 1980s.

Offering a platform for emerging DJs and a diverse range of genres, the club quickly gained a loyal following. Renowned DJs like Norman Cook, Gilles Peterson, and Carl Cox graced its stages.

Beyond established names, the Rhino championed up-and-coming talent. However, in 2014, the club faced a significant setback. Police investigations into alleged misconduct led to the revocation of its license, forcing closure.

After several years of closure, the Rhino building was demolished in 2021. The site has since been redeveloped for mixed commercial and residential use.

Los Marinos

Los Marinos was a popular Southampton establishment offering both fine dining and lively nightlife.

Located on the waterfront at Ocean Village, it was the city's closest approximation of a seaside venue.

Despite the decline of Ocean Village, Los Marinos managed to survive. However, the demolition of Canute's Pavilion signalled the end for this beloved institution.

McCluscky's

McClusky's was a popular Southampton venue known for its pop music and lively atmosphere.

At one point, the name was briefly changed to "McClusky's International 426," though the reason for this change is unclear. The venue eventually reverted to its original name.

McClusky's closed in 2005 when local councilors refused to renew its license due to concerns about crime. A subsequent attempt by Nexum Leisure to reopen the venue in 2009 was unsuccessful due to objections from police and residents.

The McClusky's building was eventually demolished to make way for new housing.

The Square Balloon

The Square Balloon, located on Above Bar, was a popular Southampton venue known for its unique atmosphere.

Formerly the ABC cinema, the venue featured large rotating screens above the bar and a wide selection of premium cocktails. A strict dress code was enforced, including a requirement for shoes.

The Square Balloon was later renamed Squares and then Provenance in 2012. It subsequently changed names to Myth and finally Switch.