It’s been almost three years since the legendary Blue Mountain nightclub in Bristol closed down - and this week, any faint hopes of the venue reopening were dashed with demolition work beginning.
The Stokes Croft club not only served as a popular location for countless ravers over the decades, but it also provided the platform for many up-and-coming music acts, including Goldie and Portishead.
But it joins the growing trend of city centre nightclubs closing and being turned into homes across the country. Plans were approved in 2021 for 190 student flats along with ground floor commercial space at the site.
Mike Ind was manager at Blue Mountain for the five years before closure. Speaking to Bristol World, he said: “Seeing the place be demolished is sad because I remember the community hub it was for people.
“You meet so many people who say ‘we met there’ - the best bit about it was its size and the fact you’d see the same people there. It was a special place we miss today.”
The nightclub closed shortly after being able to reopen under Covid restrictions. Events have continued, but at Dare 2 Club in Alfred Street. Today (June 16), demolition vehicles were pulling apart the building.
Here are eight pictures looking back at the nightclub up to its closure:
1. Lasers
Hands in the air during a Slam Jam night at Blue Mountain
2. Outdoor terrace
The terrace was also packed during nights. A place to catch up with friends over a drink and/or cigarette.
3. All-dayer
Some events went on all day, and the outdoor terrace proved the perfect place to soak up the sun while enjoying the music with friends.
4. Stage presence
Blue Mountain was renowned for giving up-and-coming acts their first shot at performing live