Inverness nostalgia: 6 most missed bars and nightclubs from Inverness over the years
Inverness residents have seen many bars and nightclubs come and go over the years, but there are certain ones they miss more than others.
From the 80’s nightclub Dillinger’s, to the stylish bar Reflection’s, Inverness nightlife has changed drastically over the years and it got our readers sharing many fond memories of their clubbing days.
We asked which bars and nightclubs they miss most from the capital and with hundreds of comments, it’s fair to say that it was a nostalgic talking point.
Here are just a few of the venues where residents would love to have one last dance.
1. Reflections
Reflections was an 80s bar situated along Tomnahurich Street and is now fondly known as the Asian restaurant Hou Hou Mei.
This bar was huge in the 80s as it is remembered as a very stylish modern bar with mirrors, metal fittings, glassware and lighting. The bar was ‘distinctly different’ to any other bar and played some of the best 80s classics.
2. Dillinger’s
Dillinger’s was an 80s nightclub with a speakeasy bar inside and is now known as Waverley Guest House along Union Street.
One of our readers said: “It was a great disco and looked really different from other places. It also had a speakeasy which was really cool, that was a very American thing.
“Dillinger was a gangster and that's what Dillinger’s was meant to be. The speakeasy was where people went to drink during the prohibition so it had to be on the down low.
“The pub was really modern, very night club-ish, which you weren't necessarily used to, and it had a great atmosphere.”
3. The Moray
The Moray was the kind of pub you could just chill out in while chatting to the locals about football or whatever was in the news that week, and is now known as The Imperial along Academy Street, opposite Falcon Square.
Heather Murray said: “I remember when I did my nurse training at Raigmore Hospital in the mid 80s and after half a day shift we would head down to town, get some shopping and then end up in The Moray!”
4. Barbazza
Barbazza was situated in the heart of the city centre, along Young Street, and was known for having a tiny dance floor. However, the entry fee was non-existent and so a good time was had by all. The bar is now known as Encore.
5. Bex Bar
This bar was voted many times by our readers as it was known as a ‘great place to dance’. The nightclub was once known as Rags, but over the past twenty years the club has also been established as Bex Bar and was famous for its eclectic dance floor soundtracks.
One of our readers, Lara said: “It was an actual nightclub where you could dance the night away! It was a good place to sit outside and enjoy a drink while having a bit of banter with others.”
The bar is now known as Private Eyes along Academy Street.
6. Bakoo
Bakoo was situated along the High Street and was the place where all the famous people made an appearance. Gracing the dance floor with their celebrity statuses were RnB star Lisa Maffia and Melanaie Blatt of girl-band All Saints.
And if you were wearing trainers, you didn’t stand a chance of getting in.
