If you go down to the Marina Club today, you’re in for a big surprise! Amongst the dinky bars and restaurants, in a large, unassuming orange building, lies a new nightspot in the city – WareHouse Marina

We sashayed into the city for the venue’s opening night.

We navigate the alleys of the Marina Club, step off the dimly lit street and walk straight into what looks like the New Year’s Eve scene in almost every late 80s/early 90s film we’ve ever seen – it’s time to party like it’s 1999! Comfy booths, barrel-shaped tables with bar stools and a large bar area fill the space, with blue and pink neon lights setting the slightly retro scene. We head to the bar to grab a frosty beverage, then slide into a booth, noticing the stained glass effect windows are actually in the image of break-dancers mid-pose - very unique.

Music is pumping from the excellent sound system, beams of coloured light orbit the room, and we spy a large stage and dance floor area – how did we miss that?! Other patrons start to gravitate towards the dance floor for a bit of a groove thanks to the enthusiastic DJ – the mix of upbeat easy-listening and disco party tunes livening up the crowd as everyone starts to relax.

Staff are friendly yet stealthy, popping up when you need a refill and stepping back into the fray when not required. Even with a huge throng of guests to wind her way through, our waitress nimbly flits back in the blink of an eye with our bill.

With a packed opening night, WareHouse Marina looks set to become a popular venue for live music; and with the massive stage and dance floor area it’s certainly well equipped for just that. Add in all those coloured lights and the banging sound system and you’ve got the recipe for a night out dancing all sewn up.

Sarah Widdup