A former working men’s club that was once home to Europe’s largest licensed pinball arcade is going under the hammer this month.
The Fife Street social club closed in July, having served the community for over ninety years.
The venue, hidden in a residential street to the west of Nuneaton town centre, had faced the threat of closure numerous times in recent years.
In its heyday, it was considered one of the biggest names on the club circuit, and legendary entertainer Larry Grayson even made his stage debut there, singing with The Very Lights concert party.
With a history dating back to 1923, the club had long been a venue for special celebrations, as well as playing host to weekly events for its social club members. But with the popularity of the club slowly dwindling, it closed its doors for the first time in the summer of 2018.
Amongst huge community support, the building underwent a major refurbishment and reopened as Fife Street Retro Pub in May 2019. Boasting video games, air hockey tables and more than 50 vintage pinball machines, it was considered Europe’s largest pay per play licenced pinball arcade.
The club also operated as a Grass Roots Music facility, hosting nightly open mic sessions. Offering an open stage and rehearsal space to the local community, the venue provided free access to instruments and recording equipment.
Sadly, the pub faced another setback when it was forced to close during the 2020 covid pandemic. With insufficient savings to carry them through lockdown, staff launched a public fundraiser via a national initiative established by Music Venue Trust, aiming to prevent the closure of independent music venues across the country.
Less than three years later however, last orders were called at Fife Street Retro Pub as it closed its doors for a final time on 30th July. The building is now set to be sold at public auction and is expected to fetch between £390,000 - £430,000 when it goes under the hammer next week.
Agents Auction House Loveitts describe the sale as "a rare opportunity to acquire the former Fife Street Social Club, occupying a prime position on a site of approximately 0.33 acres only half a mile from the town centre."
They add: "The property could be suitable for a variety of uses, including the potential for residential development."
Located off Manor Court Road, the building extends to 7,700 square feet with an adjoining car park. In addition to the main bar and function rooms of the former social club, the sale also offers a three-bedroom apartment on the first floor.
Fife Street Social Club goes up for sale by public auction with Auction House Loveitts on Thursday 16th November.
