Take a nostalgic trip back to Winchester's nightlife scene.
These photographs capture the vibrant atmosphere inside the Original Porthouse nightclub, a venue fondly remembered from its time on Brook Street.
The images freeze a specific moment in time – Friday, October 13, 2006 – documenting the excitement of the club's grand reopening celebration after undergoing refurbishment.
Look closely, and you'll see the cheerful faces of partygoers soaking up the renewed ambiance and reveling in the celebratory spirit of the night.
You'll even spot some with a cigarette as it's pre-2007 smoking ban.
The venue, on Upper Brook Street, would later be turned into student favourite nightspot Vodka, which closed in May 2023.
The building was later raided by police in November 2023, with a huge cannabis farm being discovered.
The cannabis farm and the raid left the building in a sorry state, however there is hope that good times will be back soon as David Benamor, of Benamor Ltd, is hoping to convert it into Helch Market Winchester, which will host a number of food vendors.
The model for the business is based on an existing Helch Market in Bournemouth, which was opened by Mr Benamor in 2022.
He hopes nine independent food vendors serving a mix of cuisines, from Italian to Caribbean. Food stalls will rotate, and to open up the basement as an event space, hosting a range of events including weekly live jazz nights, standup comedy, DJ sets, and other community-driven events.
- Click the top image to scroll through pictures from 2006 and reminisce. If you have memories or pictures of this club, please email us: newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk
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