TOTS, originally ‘Talk of the South’, was undoubtedly one of the most successful nightspots Southend has ever seen.

This New Year’s Eve will mark exactly two years since the nightclub closed its doors for good (then named Talk). In recent decades the venue was a hotspot for a generation of clubbers, but when it opened almost 50 years ago it had a very different vibe.

We’ve found an article from 1972  when the discotheque had been open just a few months – and was doing so well, it was changing the face of Southend’s entertainment industry.

The article gives an insight into what the original seafront venue, Talk of the South, was like – complete with a sweeping balcony and medieval themed bar.

Run by nightclub boss Louis Manzi, Talk of the South was created to cater for both young and older clubbers alike. In its early days of 1972, the venue was a both modern discotheque and international cabaret club.

Plans had been in place as early as 1970 to get the club off the ground and architects, designers and contractors worked overtime over many nights and weekends to produce the dream club.

“It was felt for a long time that Southend had paid too much attention to the younger generation and not nearly enough to the over-thirties and so it was, with this fact in mind, that the designers worked their overtime in an attempt to create decor suitable to marry different generations of people together quite compatibly,” revealed the article which appeared in The Stage newspaper in October 1972.

“In the four months that Talk of the South has been operational, its results have proved so tremendously successful that managing director  Manzi now feels sure that the cabaret that has been previously missing from the area has not only been required, but indeed needed, for some considerable time.

“How much of a part the architects and designers have played in establishing the club is impossible to assess, but it would be fair to assume that their untiring efforts for so many months have not only proved successful, but overwhelmingly triumphant. 

“The average age of clientele varies according to particular cabaret shows but even the light- hearted disco nights are encouraging a wonderful cross-section of people.”

Back in 1972 the club had three  themed luxury drinking bars including one Medieval themed bar named ‘Camelot’.

The bar was made out of rough timbers and  had a copper serving counter. Around the entire Camelot area were draped 20 authentic heraldic banners and even a replica knight in shining armour. 

On weekends bar staff wore their specially designed medieval costumes.

A small archway gave access to the exotic oriental bar, filled with authentic ancient Chinese decor, a dragon guarding one entrance and many other features. 

The third bar was more modern and plush  with soft surroundings and a fountain housing dimmed coloured lights and even a large goldfish tank. 

The central part of the club was occupied by a restaurant, which served an ala carte style menu and was large enough to seat over 100 people.

For those wishing to get away from dancing and music, the club had a balcony overlooking the Thames estuary but for the hardcore clubbers the maple dance floor was big enough to take up to 100 dancing couples.

Above the dancefloor was an illuminated ceiling with lighting effects specially designed for the club.  In the first few months of opening VIP entertainers to have performed at the club– which was open Monday to Saturday from 8pm to 2am – included the New Seekers, Frankie Howerd, Buddy Greco, Des O’Connor and the Big O himself, Roy Orbison.