Programme
Talk Of The North
1969

“My parents went frequently in the 60s-70s. It was a real 'chicken in a basket' place.”

“Yes the Talk of the North was a real celeb venue in the mid seventies, Shirley Bassey, Des O'Connor etc. It might have been owned and run by the same bloke who owned The Wendover hotel in Eccles, another 'quality' venue.

My own connection with the place was when it fell into neglect in the early eighties and became Randy's Fun Bar. After a skin full in Eccles, I'd go there to watch the, 'cabaret' (a bloke in a dress doing Timewarp), and try to stay out of the numerous fights. I once saw three seperate fights taking place in there at the same time, honest. My last memory was going with some friends, one of whom tried to kill themselves in the toilet.

Happy days, very Eccles, very 1980's.”

“Yes, they were owned by the same person,ie Joe Pullen, who also owned the Rainbow Room in Patricroft.”

“I also used to go there in the early 60's and the person who really impressed me was Bob Monkhouse.He was on the stage for about two hours non stop; what a brain he must have had.”

“Worked there 1967 until 1970 Fred Talbot was co-owner Gerry Stockdale head waiter, John Hughes bar manager. Tom Jones, Shirley bassey etc”