Isle of Wight nightclubs remembered from Colonel Bogeys to Zanies

With 817 comments on the post so far, it generated a lot of memories. With most Isle of Wight nightclubs now long gone, it was brilliant to reminisce! 

Here's what you said:

Colonel Bogeys

This popular club was always busy and years later is the one people most remember.

Many Island couples met in Bogeys. Elaine Balfour said: "Still with my husband 31 years later after we met at Bogeys in 91."

Heidi Boocock said: "Got to be Bogeys, for those of us who worked there and the Jolly we had so much fun, made so many friends and got paid for dressing up in 70s and 80s gear and dancing all night!"

Colonel Bogeys nightclub in Sandown.

Bogeys was also known for getting big names inside the doors, such as Atomic Kitten and Take That.

Atomic Kitten at Colonel Bogeys in Sandown.

Do you remember this one?

Among those long gone are Keats, Court Jester, Zanies, Jolly Sailor, Patsys, Booker Ts, Temptation, The Fort, Barneys, Coconut Grove and Golden Hill Fort. Not forgetting the boats such as the Ryde Queen.

The former Keats Green nightclub, as seen today, in Shanklin.

The Balcony in Ryde

This popular nightclub opened in 1992.

A hen night at the Balcony in 2003. Picture: IWCP archive.

The late Fred Whittingham, who partied at The Balcony and Bogeys well into his golden years.

Casa Espanol

Graham Lee's photo of the former Casa Espanol in Brighstone, later the Countryman.

Zanies

A County Press article about Zanies, on Sandown seafront, in the early 1990s said "hardcore was a hit" and it was certainly popular for rave music in its heyday.

Ozz Bowski said on Facebook: "Each to their own, I guess, but Zanies ‘90/‘91 was unbeatable. Such a great crowd of regulars, such great music…"

The best of the rest....

David McLoughlin said: "To be honest there were so many that were good in their own way. Bogeys, Patsys, Yelfs Tap and Cellar and Woodys but the best for me was Chicago Rock Cafe and The Balcony. But that’s because I’m biased for having worked on the management team at both. Absolutely amazing days!"

Steve Cockett said: "Zanies - 92/93. Also have to mention Keats upstairs and Sams downstairs. Butterfly World got pretty wild too. Many fragmented memories."

Jackie Woodford said: "Le Babalu, Carousel, Prince Consort and Barneys."

Teresa Day said: "La Babalu, The Eastcliffe, The Carousel, Birdcage Colonel Bogeys, Julisas and The Coconut Grove Ryde Queen and Medway Queen."

Andy Tickner said: "The Fort and Keats … and the one- off nights Chalk Pit, Blackgang, Niton, Butterfly World, some place on Ventnor sea front…"

Nicola Doble said: "Mid 80s-mid 90s, Zanies, Jesters, Bogeys, Woodys, Temptations (not a nightclub but The Vine was a great pub back then). Mid 90s >... The Fort, Livingstones (and Yaverland after parties)."

• Read more: Your pictures of Isle of Wight nightclubs