De Ville's was a popular basement bar and club on Lloyd Street off Albert Square. Apparently the opening act at De Ville's in the late '70s was Quentin Crisp and in the early days it played Bowie, Roxy, Clash etc. In the early '90s it had become a bit of a mainstay of the Madchester scene, playing house, dance and all that. It was linked to its sister and neighbouring bar, Lazy Lils, which opened early and was free in, famous for its bucking broncho (these were all the rage in the '80s and '90s in pubs and clubs, despite the heavily addled riders often throwing up or sustaining injury). After last orders they hoyed punters out or into De Ville's and sometimes charged entry. It seems that the modern Boutique, the gentleman's club, may be housed in what was De Ville's and Lazy Lils.
Used to love De Villes ... A regular haunt in the late 80's / early 90s along with the Venue and the Hac. Great memories of this and the Square Albert basement bar. Would be great to see more pics.
ReplyDeleteLazy Lils and De Villes...great times. Threw up a few times after being on the mechanical horse!
ReplyDeleteI recently found an old poster advertising a Manchester group who were on Factory Records, and played at De Villes on Feb 14th 19??. I don't know the year so if anybody could tell me it would be great. Some of the band have reformed and are currently working on new material. Chris
ReplyDeleteSorry forgot the most important bit. The group were called The Distractions.
DeleteHi All,
ReplyDeleteWorked in Devilles from '84 to '86, jack the owner, Colin was the DJ in lazy Lils, he also ran the mechanical bull. Dave and Jim ran the door, Jim's girlfriend ran lazy lils bar (she had blonde hair). Colins brother James was a bartender/glass collector. Two of the barstaff were a male couple one called harvey who was the smaller of the two, had a moustache and always had a bowtie on, the other taller man I cant remember the name of.
I worked as a DJ in devilles and typical tracks were the cult, the cure, the clash, Pil, Bauhuas, sisters of mercy, etc..
Devilles was all black, lazy lils was set up as an american bar and had bench booths and a roulette wheel on the wall.
Adrian!
Hi Adrian, I thought Ray Deville was the owner at one time . . . do you know what happened to him? Thanx Hun, Lynda
DeleteRay Deville was part owner as i worked for him at the time Last i saw him he was living in Chorlton
DeleteI remember Ged's partner was Phil and they usually wore bow ties. One of the owner's of Lazy Lills was called Stew
DeleteGreat place for indie music. There used to be a guy on the door who looked like Lionel Richie!
ReplyDeleteUsed to go to Devilles 1980 every Saturday night great vibe and great crowd and music always wished it was open past two o clock
ReplyDeleteThey were the day.Highland bars town hall tavern then onto Bernards bar on King Street West finishing at Devilles.
Late 89 to 92 every weekend was rocking in lazy lills and devilles. I remember great tunes and atmosphere. One night a massive snowball fight started in Albert square after clubbing. All peace and love. Miss those days.
ReplyDeleteI seem to remember going through a red velvet curtain to where the bucking bronco was
ReplyDeleteDe Villes … Brilliant place! … Anyone know where Ray Deville is these days (2019) ???
ReplyDeletePil, that's cool. I can't remember Pil getting played a lot in town.
ReplyDeleteDOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE RAYMOND DEVILLE IS THESE DAYS (2019) ???
ReplyDeleteSuperb nights in lazy lils and devilles. Completely great vibe. Peace and love
ReplyDeleteI worked at Lazy Lills full time from 1983-88. In the daytime chilli and bread was served with drinks and in the evening I'd ride the bronko. There was usually just Dianne and myself serving and when it got frantic either Ged,his boyfriend or Ricky would change the beer barrels. Yes, Jack was the manager,the owner's son was Barrington and the owner's girlfriend was Celia. On the quiet evenings I used to love to play pool and have a chat with the vice squad that came in now and then. John Camillo used to be a doorman on the Devilles side with tall Paul. Crazy days
ReplyDeleteI was married to John camillo at the time
ReplyDeleteis that sandra i worked with john there
DeleteYes it is
DeleteHe must have had some stories to tell when he came home! Can't say we ever saw John on the Bronko tho
ReplyDeleteLoved this place and moved over when it become the limit nightclub very close group of regulars. Remember going to sale water park a few times after the the club finished.
ReplyDeleteWent here and later when it changed to the limit. Afterwards on to sale water park. Close group of ravers.
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