WE all recall the place where we had our first night out, the tunes that blasted out of the speakers, the drinks we guzzled, and the food we nibbled on.

But sadly, for us, many of those venues are long gone.

From party-goers coming from across the country to pack out Southend’s Tots and Chameleon, to wild celebrations at Raquels, those memories are cherished for a lifetime.

We asked Echo readers to serve up some recollections of their first nightclub to our reader comments.

Many immediately reminisced about Zero 6 in Southend’s Aviation Way. Built in 1972, the nightclub was given its moniker because it was situated at the end of runway 6 at the airport.

It was opened on July 29 of that year by the late comedian and disc jockey Kenny Everett, and it was the first UK club to have a full quadraphonic sound system surrounding a sunken stainless steel dance floor.

In 2014, the club closed its doors for the final time.

Andy Smith said: “Zero 6 to see Fat Larry’s Band.”

Jeannie Procter penned: “Zero 6. Had some great nights there!!”

Tim Aves wrote: “The Zero 6.

Monday Musician’ Workshop night. Those sessions were a lot of fun.”

Another Southend club which popped up was Penny Farthing on Elmer Approach.

The beloved venue underwent several name changes during its tenure as a nightlife staple, including Storm and Mansion.

Jen Mascall said: “The Penny Farthing the rocking goose DJ it was the best.”

Colin Henwood added: “The Penny Farthing had great times there.”

Sue Krasij simply stated: “Penny Farthing, Southend.”

Just over 13 miles west of Southend seafront in Basildon’s Market Pavement stood Raquels.

In fact, the venue went through several iterations over the decades, such as Tiffany’s and Locarno, but took the Raquels name in 1974.

During the 70s and 80s, it was the place to be on a Friday and Saturday night.

It also hosted many stars, including homegrown talent Depeche Mode.

However, on December 29, 1995, the iconic Basildon nightclub was no more.

Nick Buhagiar recalled: “Nappy night on a Monday at Raquels in Basildon circa 1993. Unbelievable times dancing away to Robin S, Dr Alban and 4 NonBlondes!”

Karin Ridgers expressed: “Raquels!!! [It] was fantastic.”

Daren McGilligan contributed: “Raquels loved it.”

Dozens of readers brought up Crocs, in Rayleigh High Street, which is now known as The Pink Toothbrush.

Dubbed the home of entertainment, it opened back in the 1970s and featuring live crocodiles.

It was another Essex nightclub hotspot and also an attractive place for artists to perform, including Dr Feelgood, Toyah and Boy George.

In 1983, it was renamed The Pink Toothbrush after a Max Bygraves’ song You’re A Pink Toothbrush.

Julia Burch remembered: “They would literally walk a croc out on a leash at end of evening to chase out the stragglers lol.”

Keith Field reminisced: “I remember going there on a Saturday to do a kids movie club...lol.”