End of an era as Burnley nightclub closes

One of Burnley’s longest running nightclubs has closed its doors for the final time, marking the end of an era for clubbers in the town.
Posh club owner Mick Cookson, bar manager Jamie Lynn, area manager Richard Stansfield and head of marketing and promotions Dean Overson.Posh club owner Mick Cookson, bar manager Jamie Lynn, area manager Richard Stansfield and head of marketing and promotions Dean Overson.
Posh club owner Mick Cookson, bar manager Jamie Lynn, area manager Richard Stansfield and head of marketing and promotions Dean Overson.

Posh nightclub in Ormerod Street closed down last Sunday but owner Mick Cookson revealed his plans this week for a brand new nightspot in the same location, a Polynesian themed venue called Rum Jungle.

Mr Cookson told the Express: “It was a big decision to close after so many years and it felt sad to bring an end to Posh because it is still a successful club and customers were packing in on the final two nights. But I feel that you have to move with the times.

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“I have been running nightclubs in this town for 25 years but I believe it has hit a lull when it comes to nightlife and something new is needed. ’’

Posh club owner Mick Cookson, bar manager Jamie Lynn, area manager Richard Stansfield and head of marketing and promotions Dean Overson.Posh club owner Mick Cookson, bar manager Jamie Lynn, area manager Richard Stansfield and head of marketing and promotions Dean Overson.
Posh club owner Mick Cookson, bar manager Jamie Lynn, area manager Richard Stansfield and head of marketing and promotions Dean Overson.

The shock closure came without warning and news spread across Facebook and other social media sites with loyal customers questioning the decision to close.

Mr Cookson said: “ News had spread like wildfire on Facebook so I decided to let people know what was happening.

“Posh has played a big part in the nightlife of Burnley because it has been there for so long and it has been well supported.’’

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The venue, housed in the former Yorke House nightspot, is now undergoing a £200,000 refurbishment ready for a VIP opening in four weeks. The design is based on a Vegas style hotel and there will be an island style bar with specially designed glasses.

A well known figure in the town, Mr Cookson ran the successful Panama Joe’s and Mean Cat Daddies in Hammerton Street. Panama Joe’s featured on national and international television when the nightspot’s sister company, Ultimate Entertainment Agency, bought a collection of sumo wrestling suits to supply to the games and entertainment industry. It was a craze that swept the entire nation and helped to put Panama Joe’s and Burnley on the map.

Panana Joe’s also scored another “first’’ with the introduction of a Bucking Bronco that revellers were keen to try on Friday and Saturday nights.

In 1997 Mr Cookson launched an unsuccessful bid to transform the derelict Empire Theatre Building in St James Street into a Roman Empire theme bar when licensing magistates turned down his application for a provisional licence to serve alcohol.

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Mr Cookson’s company, Mick Cookson Designs, has also designed and built clubs, bars and casinos all over the world including the iconic Funky Buddha in London’s exclusive Mayfair and several for NCL Cruiselines.

* Did you meet your Mr or Mrs Right in Posh nightclub? Send your memories, stories and photographs of your times at Posh to [email protected].

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