In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Jeff The Chef, a well-known figure from Manchester’s Acid House scene and a key player in the legendary Hacienda nightclub. Jeff takes us through his extraordinary journey, from his anti-drug stance in his early 20s to becoming one of the main dealers in the Hacienda during its peak in the late 1980s. His story is one of wild parties, high-profile friendships, and life-altering experiences.
Jeff opens up about his first encounter with drugs at the age of 22, having been initially against them due to his mother’s addiction to prescription drugs. From his first spliff at a party, Jeff never looked back, quickly becoming a well-known figure at the Hacienda and beyond. He reflects on the incredible atmosphere of the club, where the dealers were the real stars before DJs reached fame.
The Hacienda was more than just a nightclub; it was a cultural phenomenon. Jeff takes us inside the infamous club, from the main dance floor to “The Gay Traitor” bar, where locals and bands like New Order would gather and smoke weed. He shares the story of his first Ecstasy experience – half a pill that left him buzzing for 14 hours – and how this marked the beginning of his journey into the rave and drug scene.
Jeff reminisces about his trips to Ibiza with Bez from the Happy Mondays and hanging out with New Order while they recorded their album Technique. From raving at Pacha to wild parties at Peter Gabriel’s studio, Jeff had a front-row seat to the cultural revolution of the 1980s.
Jeff also talks about the darker side of the scene, including his eventual arrest and imprisonment. He describes his time in jail, from his arrest outside a pub near the Hacienda to his experiences during the Strangeways riots. With support from the Salford locals, Jeff navigated the complexities of prison life, had two fights, and managed to avoid making enemies. He reflects on how jail changed him and marked a turning point in his life.
This interview offers a unique insight into Manchester’s iconic Acid House era, told through the eyes of one of its most colorful characters. From raves and run-ins with the law to friendships with famous bands and experiences in prison, Jeff’s story is a fascinating glimpse into a wild chapter in British music history.
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