Cleethorpes Pier's return to premier status
THE new managers of Cleethorpes Pier pledged to reinstate the infamous Bags' Ball and offer top-notch facilities for all the family as they reopened the venue yesterday.
As reported, after serious crime and disorder marred the venue's reputation, former leaseholders Stephen Grevitt and Steve Calladine surrendered their licence just days before a full review was due to be heard.
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RE-OPENED: Alistair Clugston, owner of the Pier in Cleethorpes, in the refurbished venue. Pictures: Rick Byrne.
Despite previous problems, Alistair Clugston – who runs the Old Barn Inn, in Tealby – took on the venue, promising to turn it around and make it "the envy of other resorts".
The business has created 30 jobs and new manager Paul Edwards said that "the majority of these are for 18 to 25-year-olds", although he received "thousands" of applications.
After significant renovations, Tides Bar and restaurant – formerly the front bar – opened for business yesterday, and will now serve food seven days a week from noon to 9pm.
It has new furniture, maritime memorabilia and new windows on the east wall to give diners a better view of the Humber.
The nightclub opens on Saturday and on Wednesday, the nationally-renowned Rumble Band – who have been playing locally for nearly 40 years – will perform at the relaunch of the popular Bag's Ball.
And where better to relaunch the famous event than on the original dance floor from the Winter Gardens, which has been transported and fitted in The Pier?
Mr Edwards said: "We have exchanged stories with so many local people. Men and women have met the people they married at the ball so we are glad to bring it back to Cleethorpes."
The club is so excited about the return of the ball that they are even encouraging people to exchange stories on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cleethorpespier
The nightclub has 29,000 LED lights and Mr Edwards said it is "almost unrecognisable" compared to what it looked like before.
He said: "We are under no illusions about what this place used to be like and we need to shake its old reputation.
"There will be a dress-code and it will now be for over-21s. We will do whatever it takes to return premier status to The Pier."
After Christmas, the Pier will be holding special events including wrestling, boxing and comedy nights.
It may also be available to book for individual events.
The Pier opens on Saturday at 10pm and the Bag's Ball will be every Wednesday from 9pm.
To book a table at Tides restaurant, call 01472 634070.
13 Comments
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by awayfromgy
Monday, December 05 2011, 8:16PM
“When you reinstate the baggys will you also recreate all the wildly drunken antics and fights that used to occur regularly? The bags ball was a child of the fishing industry.....
Anyhow, enough negativity from me, I hope its a big success and goes well.”
by KBS71
Monday, December 05 2011, 4:18PM
“Last time I went to the Pier I really enjoyed it - Grumbleweeds in '77! Ha! The reputation kept me away from it as a club. Hope the new venture goes well - I would like to be optimistic and see the Pier add a bit of maturity to a night out in Cleethorpes - most of the other bars are full of immature people trying to get as drunk as possible in the shortest amount of time, which unfortunately leads to all kinds of abuse for the others that are trying to have a good time without the insults; how sad. I for one would love to go out and have a few drinks in a bar where the clientelle have their heads screwed on (at least to some extent!). Don't get me wrong - I like a good drink and a bit of a shin-dig, but some sad little people ruin it for the rest of us...”
by Bovis33
Monday, December 05 2011, 11:33AM
“Good luck to all concerned.
I fear it may be needed if you expect over 21s to be profitable in 2012.”
by lincs4x4
Monday, December 05 2011, 10:53AM
“forgot to add......Alistair Clugston...... we have been to your wonderful place in Tealby and I cannot understand why you have got this soooooooo wrong....I was hoping that it was going to be a huge step forward for the Pier...but I have just read others comments and I notice that someone else popped round for something to eat and the gates were locked.....this isnt good for a new venture is it ? I really do wish you all the luck in the world, but you can imagine how gutted I was on saturday evening !! x”
by lincs4x4
Monday, December 05 2011, 10:48AM
“SO DISAPPOINTED ALREADY !!!!!!!
Saturday 3.December was my birthday and my choice was a days shopping out of town and then back to the Pier for dinner in the evening............excited !!!!
LAST WEEKS PRESS RELEASE: After significant renovations, Tides Bar and restaurant – formerly the front bar – opened for business yesterday, and will now serve food seven days a week from noon to 9pm.
SO DISAPPOINTED.......ARRIVED HUNGRY AFTER A LONG DAY OUT OF TOWN....to be told that the restaurant isnt even ready yet.....so why, oh why.......was the above printed in the press last week! ?????”
by EWW01
Sunday, December 04 2011, 4:23PM
“Me thinks Mr CLUGSTON will be in for a shock when the idiots start performing.
With reference to reinstating the Bags Ball/Widows Ball/Grab a Granny night,call it what you might night
The only home home for this was the late WINTER GARDENS,nothing to do with the Pier at all.
One of the High Street pubs used the name - total failure.”
by Ian_Gillan
Friday, December 02 2011, 11:33PM
“I still have strong reservations over this, but I hope it is successful.”
by blue90blue
Friday, December 02 2011, 11:11PM
“jsl_2000_uk YOU ARE BORING WHY NOT TRY TO BE HAPPY ABOUT THIS NEW PLACE THAN CRITISISING IT ALL NEW PLACES HAVE STAFF TRAINING I AM SURE THIS WILL BE A GREAT SUCCESS
GIVE IT A CHANCE”
by jsl_2000_uk
Friday, December 02 2011, 1:37PM
“went to tides this lunchtime and the gates were locked. Had lunch elsewhere and on the way back gates were open. Walked into bar and it looked like the staff were being trained on the tills. Nobody noticed i was there good job i didn't want a drink.
Don't put a banner up saying you are open from 12pm 1st December when you clearly are not. I will be steering well clear from now on.”
by The0racle
Friday, December 02 2011, 12:09PM
“Unfortunately it will only be as good as the clientele.
I hope I'm wrong but once the Chav gang get in there normal people will avoid it.
The dress code will help but some of the scum bags are over 21 and have smart clothes.”