Time called on unique cabaret club
THE smoking ban and the downturn in the economy have forced a Grimsby Club to close its doors.
Secrets, known previously as La Rue's and The IT Club, on Cleethorpe Road, has shut.
Jennifer Parker, the owner of the cabaret bar, said she was sad to see the only venue for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transvestite (LGBT) community shut its doors.
She said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported us.
"Sadly, I think more people have chosen to stay indoors rather than head out over the weekends.
"For us, the final nail in the coffin was the smoking ban. Because of where we were it meant people had no choice but to go out on the street.
"However, people wanted their privacy so that was not practical."
Jennifer has run the club for the last three years.
She was an existing member of staff who took over after the previous owners, Smallwood Leisure, decided to leave.
"We have had three good years, but it's a shame we have had to close before Christmas," she added.
No one has lost their job as a result of the closure, other than herself and the resident DJ, Chaz, as she had to let staff go throughout the year.
As the only venue of its kind in the Grimsby area, Jennifer said it played a key part in the community.
"It was quite important to a lot of people, not just the LGBT community, but also a wide range of people who enjoyed coming here for a good night out," she said.
However there is hope.
Jennifer, said there were "exciting" talks to secure a new venue for the LGBT community, although at the time of going to press, further details could not be released.
Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for more news as it is announced.
5 Comments
by Chris, Grimsby
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 9:14PM
“It hasn't shut down, you can now find it above Bar Icon in Grimsby Town Centre. Also its open 5 nights a week rather than the 3 it previously was.”
by George Gordon, Grimsby
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 6:51PM
“Such a shame to see it go this way, Best of luck to whatever you do next.”
by in the cold light of day, clee
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 5:39PM
“Well put peter.”
by CAROLINE, grimsby
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 5:35PM
“sorry to hear the club has shut down, I know jen and she worked hard to keep the club a sucsess. Hope you find something good to carry on now with lover xx”
by peter, grimsby
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 1:39PM
“i thought i must comment on this as im a member well was a member of secrets formaly known as la rues i have been going to the club for many years now and have met alot of people i regard as friends it was a fantastic place to go socialize for the LGBT comunity as grimsby and cleethorpes are not the most gay friendly of places and i must also add that when you weas there all the staff and mrs jenn was always welcoming to new people young and old and you could be yourself with your partner a place you felt safe and secure as if i was to walk into a normal nightclub in grimsby town per say im sure i would be met with alot of agression as i have been many times in the past it seems like the end of an era if thats how u spell it lol well hope everyone has a fantastic cristmas but i must say grimsby and cleethorpes will be a far sadder darker place without secrets and the queens of grimsby and cleethorpes”