Zhivago’s - It was the latest nightspot in town and lots of you probably remember it. The new nightclub replaced what was formerly the Manhattan and it opened in High Street West , Sunderland, in 1973 . Advertisement Advertisement Romantic and sophisticated Sign up to our Wearside Echoes Newsletters.
A monthly round-up of our retro best bits Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Sunderland Echo, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Why Zhivago? Simply because it was the first name that struck a common cord with Mike Downey and Jim Llewellyn, the two partners who owned the club. They felt that Zhivago had the kind of romantic, semi-sophisticated sound that they were seeking to complement their new policy: an intimate and friendly atmosphere for the enjoyment of the over-21s.
It didn’t charge the earth The club catered for the 21-35 age group “without charging the earth.” Members’ dress was trendy and casual, rather than formal. The bosses decided that cabaret would not be a regular, weekly institution but an occasional “bonus”.
Advertisement Advertisement Zhivago boasted one of the best sound systems in the North East but do you remember it? Buffets were free of charge By 1974 , it was hosting free buffets and party nights on Thursdays. Maybe you were there on the night when five-piece soul band Silver Cloud were pulling in the punters in 1975 . By the.