SOUTH Essex was once considered the place to be when it came to clubbing, with a number of thriving clubs with top class reputation.
Southend, Basildon and Canvey would all be top of the list for people heading to a night from across Essex and even further afield.
Sadly, many of these clubs are now a thing of the past.
As Rayleigh's famous The Pink Toothbrush is celebrating 40 years of success, we've delved into our archives to look back at great nights out spent at the long lost nightspots we wish were also still here.
In Southend, the most famous nightclub was Tots, which was also known as Talk of the South, Tots 2000 and Talk, but after 40 years it shut in 2019.
The venue - located in Lucy Road - now houses the King Pins Bowl bowling alley.
In Basildon, the town centre was once home to the famous Raquels nightclub, which closed in 1998. In its heyday, it played host to a range of musicians, including homegrown talents Depeche Mode and Alison Moyet.
On Canvey, the Kings Club, in Hindles Road, was the home of music and fun from 1962 until 2001. Pop group Take That performed at the famous club.
Long-standing club the Rhythm Room, which was previously known as Dick De Vigne’s, in Warrior Square is now Popworld after it was sold in September 2021.
Scroll down to see more of our archive photos
Champagne popping - celebrations at Rains nightclub in Southend
Tots 2000 - pictured here in 1997
Happy New Year - clubbers bring in the new year with a party at Southend-based Zero Six in 1986
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