Nestled between a row of terraced houses in the back streets of Nuneaton, Warwickshire stands an old working men’s club. Its origins go back to 1932 and while it’s nothing to look at from the outside, the inside will make your head spin, your feet tap, and your fingers itch. You will be searching your pockets for coins as you line up to take your turn on the biggest public collection of pinball machines in Europe. Afterwards, you can quench your thirst with a drink at the Silverball Bar.
Fife Street Working Men’s Club had stood empty for years and was in a sorry state when Courtney Blount and her business partner Steve decided they needed somewhere to store their collection of 58 working retro and new pinball machines.
They noticed the club was up for rent and decided to take a look. It was in a terrible mess and needed lots of restoration but it was the right size for their extensive collection, so they went ahead with the lease.
“Everywhere was damp and mould-covered – furniture, walls, ceilings and carpets,” said Courtney. “The smell of decay permeated the air. Most people would be put off by this, but we persevered. Families from the local community popped in every day to lend a hand. We were extremely grateful for their help. Within six weeks, the club was ready for business… then along came a pandemic.”
Overnight, the takings plummeted from £2,500 a week to nothing as the club was forced to shut its doors in March 2020. The landlord didn’t want to reduce the rent, and Courtney and Steve were at a loss for what to do next.
この記事は Best of British の September 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Best of British の September 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
It's a Lottery
Claire Saul celebrates 30 years of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which supports heritage projects across the United Kingdom
In Memoriam
Michael Foley pays his respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Leader of the Pack
Paul Williams examines the history of War Horse
French Fancies
Alain Carraze explains how cult British shows are perceived as the best on television in France
Redheads & Rollers
Simon Stabler talks to Crossroads' Tony Adams
Bringing Memories Back to Life
Richard Haines on the importance of making the most of your vintage photographs
POSTCARD FROM KENT
Bob Barton investigates a network of caves, takes a ride on a thriving heritage railway, and marvels at the beauty of the garden of England
Laughter in the Air
Chris Hallam remembers writer, television presenter and comedian Barry Took
My Good Old Days
Tim Quinn takes us behind the scenes of Leeds City Varieties
The Battersea Bardot
David Barnes remembers the star of Cathy Come Home