Good day all, I was a frequent visitor to the Grotto club from 1959 to 1964. It was owned by the Finn brothers who were diverse business men, the cafe part of the business was nothing more than a legitimate front for the “speak easy” type club hidden in the Cellars below, access was walking a few yards down the street, turn 1st right and then right again up a long dark alley which brought you to a heavy wooded door, upon which you knocked 3 times to get a pair of eyes peering through a slot asking what you want? You had to say who recommended you to the Grotto before being allowed in.
Upon entering one went down steps into the 1st of several rooms, one a bar, next a gambling den for roulett, craps, etc. further in was the cavern (created by forcing paper machete into preformed chicken wire and when painted white gave the feeling of being in a deep cavern. In here would be music played by resident keyboard player Gordon, other musicians such as the newly formed Spencer Davis group! Also this room was used for dancing, singing and striptease, not a sleazy as it might sound, but well known professional artists would appear such as Pauline Penny, Monique the black Orchid. In 1962 I took Gene Vincent while touring the UK, he was (in cognitio) not wanting recognition, just an enjoyable experience, but it wasn’t long before someone recognised him.
I have often wondered what became of Gary Finn (the governor) I do recall that he had something to do with the importation of the original glass frothy coffee cups used in coffee bars country wide, hence the cafe upstairs as a front decoy. The place was raided a few times in the early sixties (fortunately not when I was there) but it seemed to reappear and carry on a bit like Houdin!
Should anyone recognise the Grotto I knew so well, please post your memories.
Leo