REVELLERS have been sharing their fond memories of Talk following the shock announcement.

The popular venue, which has gone by several names including TOTS, TOTS 2000 and now Talk, is soon to be no more.

Lisa Clarkson can’t believe it.

She wrote on Facebook: “I used to go clubbing every weekend in my 20s and the weeknights too.

“Loved this place with all my heart back then thank you Tots for leaving me with amazing memories.”

Tia Maria said: “Best job I ever had was being a bar maid at Tots in the late 70s early 80s. l worked on what used to be called the Tots Bar. S

“Saw the Real Thing, Heat Wave and many more great acts.

“Some lovely memories, so sad to see it go.”

Matt Dent, councillor for Kursaal Ward where Talk is based, said the venue will be missed. He said: “We’re certainly seeing a shift in the shape of what nightlife in Southend looks like. It seems a lot of people are tending to favour pubs and other leisure places like restaurants.

“It has not been a place I have often been to, I’ve always been more of a pub man, but I know many people who spent a lot of their years in there, and they love it.

“It’s always really sad when a staple of the borough closes, it’s part of the fabric of the town, and while I can see how it’s come about, it’s very sad that a flagship business will be leaving us.”

Janis Anderson said: “Had my hen night here. I have had many special times as well as meeting ‘Hot Chocolate’ who had performed here, so many memories dating as far back in the 70s.”

Shauna Taylor said: “So so sad, some of the best memories ever including Boxing Day Fancy Dress 1998 Gene Simmons – met Snow White and lived happily ever after!”

Graham Nash said: “End of an era, had some quality nights there mixed with a few bad ones however that was all part of it. Another iconic venue to be erased.”

Dave Rothwell said: “I can remember it being open six nights a week and was trading at capacity on most of them. I have some amazing memories from late 80s early 90s and made some life-long friends along the way.

In February 2016, the venue completed its £350,000 refurbishment of its four separate rooms, and VIP boxes.

It is planning a series of events for the rest of the year in the run up to their final party on New Year’s Eve.