The Facebook page of Loveshack, a Durham nightclub that closed nearly a decade ago, became active again on Tuesday night, prompting a nostalgic reaction from former regulars and sparking hopes of a reopening.
Memories of a Late-Night Durham Institution
Loveshack, located next to the Gala Theatre in Durham city centre, was a popular late-night spot during the mid-to-late 2000s. It was known for its giant stiletto seats, a menu of potent cocktails, an in-house Chapel of Love, long queues for the toilets, and a branded campervan. Queues to enter often stretched far, with people waiting in all weathers.
Saturday nights featured breakdancers and angle grinders on stage, with music from artists such as Akon, Eminem, and Justin Timberlake, alongside anthems including “Put Your Hands Up for Detroit,” “Infinity,” “Be Without You,” “Boogie 2Nite,” and “Destination Calabria.”
Merchandise Launch Instead of Reopening
The new post did not announce a return of the club, which shut in summer 2017, later becoming Players and now Katie O’Briens. Instead, it introduced a merchandise collection for former regulars, including t-shirts, mugs, and wall art.
The post read: “You survived the sticky floors. You probably lost a coat, a phone, a shoe or at least a small part of your dignity. Now you can finally get the T-shirt. We’ve brought back a little piece of Durham nightlife history for everyone who spent the 00s dancing until stupid o’clock, making questionable decisions and creating the kind of memories that still get dragged up in the group chat nearly 20 years later.”
The post added: “Need something for your husband or wife? Especially appropriate if you met them in the Chapel of Love, the hot tub… or, God help us, the camper van. Consider this your chance to own a little piece of the chaos. Been to the nights. Got the memories. Finally got the T-shirt.”
Fans React to the News
One former regular commented: “what a anti climax I don’t want a t shirt I want the sticky floor again.”
