More memories of La Ronde
LOOKING BACK asked readers for their memories of the famous La Ronde nightclub and the Kahlua coffee bar in Swan Street and they have got back with tonnes of recollections including those of a former chef from one of Loughborough’s first nightclubs.
Both clubs were owned by local businessman Jimmy Thomas, and a host of famous celebrities including Tommy Cooper, Lulu, Frankie Vaughan, Larry Grayson, Bruce Forsyth and Diana Dors all played at the La Ronde nightclub throughout the 60s and 70s.
Brian Suter, 75 from Loughborough said that he will never forget the black feathery dress that singer Diana Dors wore when she played at the club.
Brian was a chef at the La Ronde and said that the kitchen was behind where the band used to play.
He said: “Often the pots and pans would fall off their hooks or shelves if the music was too loud.”
He said that the kitchen was one of the first to have a microwave oven in the town, and that his brother and sister (Elsie Suter and David Suter) both used to work on the tables at the club.
Brian said that Jimmy’s wife was called Alma and that he knew the couple used to live in a caravan in Quorn before they made their millions.
The former chef said that he was the head chef in the kitchen at the Swan Street club, and that one of the most popular meals they served was curry.
He said he remembers when Bob Monkhouse came to play and said that he cooked Mr Monkhouse a meal but he was more bothered about the champagne that came with it than the actual food.
Another act he remembered was
Diana Dors and he said: “She was wearing a black dress made of nothing but feathers.”
Other readers took to Facebook to share their memories of Mr Thomas, the La Ronde and the Kahlua with the Echo.
John Seymour said: “My wife was working as a waitress that night when Bob Monkhouse was there as well as when Dave Allen was there too, she has a photo of her with him.”
Derek Haywood said: “Some great nights up there with Geggy, Chris Hopkins, and many others.”
Malcolm Pinder said: “I worked a few times for Jimmy Thomas and fitted the carpets at the club and had a free table for myself and three guests, Bob Monkhouse was great.”
Gerry Preston-Stevenson said: “Our Sunday footballers used to end up there after doing the rounds in town. Royal Oak for a few then the Cross Keys, Kings Head, Fleece and Black Lion. Needless to say we did not win as much as we should have done. Happy days”
Bill Selby said that he remembers seeing Bob Monkhouse at La Ronde and said: “He took the mickey out of Loughborough during his act. Seem to remember Dave Allen too, some nights were a bit hazy.
“My mates and me went there most weekends, there was a free buffet on Sundays.”
Alan Taylor said: “Spent a lot of time in the Kahlua 1966-67,while skiving off school and at nights. Then went to La Ronde all-nighters too see bands, after being at the Saracen’s Head (Top Secret), as it was also known. Was never aware of any celebrities doing shows there.
“I think he had every pinball machine and jukebox in the cafes and pubs in the area.
“He certainly did in Sileby and he used to keep them all up to date with the latest records.
“He had a good one at The Hammer and Pincers in Barrow. ”
Alison Vaknin said: “I used to work there at the bar. Many memories.”
Phillippe Louis said: “I saw the great Bob Monkhouse there in `69 The atmosphere was thick with smoke.
“I do believe only me and Bob were not smoking!”