Photograph
Portland Bars
1977

“Yeah, this was on Portland St on the corner of Piccadilly Plaza near what is now the entrance to the hotel. By the early-mid 80s there was a godawful red/chrome/mirrors sort of place downstairs just to the left of this shot. Was it called New York or am I making that up?”

“Waiting for a mate who worked at Piccadilly Radio we ventured down the stairs next door to get a drink and because of our clothes/leather jackets we were chucked back up the steps. We should of stood our ground like one of my mates who was told he could stay if he turned his jacket inside out, thinking he wouldnt do it, but he did and had a drink with his red quilted lining on the outside. Classy.”

“A big gang of us punks used to meet up downstairs in about 1980 we always used to call it the "Dive bars"”

“Was it called "New York New York". A sort of diner come bar??”

“That's in the Gay village.”

“I was the Assisent Bar Manasger in the Portland Bars in 1966 , the Manager was Toby Randell ex British Airway's Cabin Steward , the portland bar was the pub -type bar in the photo and downstairs was the "Dive Bar" which in them days was a steak-bar with meals served till 9.00pm, We had the best bouncers in town , cos we paid a couiple of serving ,off duty police men for security any problems they would show their warrent cards The I left to work in London
bodzy”

“Woodsman - New York New York was an American style diner (late 70's) on Cross Street. The waiters were on roller skates and it was the closest thing to the Big Apple that many of us got!! Great atmosphere..not so sure about the food!”

“AH! Thats the one Farahj!!! Nice 1!”

“In about 1979-81 a guy we knew as Portland Bill used to put midweek bands on there - he would give you a showcase, then if you drew a small crowd and he liked you he would give you your own gig and pay you £20 - Mike sweeney was a regular down there as were other radio types - not sure how long the live music lasted”