A look back at some of the lost bars and clubs of Colchester

Or remember the days of spontaneous taxi rides to Escape to party with the likes of Calvin from Hollyoaks, Joe Swash and Jack Branning off Eastenders?

Remember when Colchester had a Chicago's nightclub? Before the chain closed sites across the county.

Or how about when Atik, in High Street, used to be the Hippodrome?

It is a well known fact we like a drink in Colchester, for better or for worse.

There's so much choice in the town centre today that you're never short of somewhere to go on a weekend, or for a cheeky drink during the week.

But it is also obvious the town has lost a lot of bars over the years.

The market has become more and more difficult for nighttime traders, as is well documented. 

Some of those lost were were beloved gig venues, such as The Twist, in Military Road, where many of us had our first experience of live music.

Others were famous amongst the town's student population, such as St John's Street's Dirty Penguin (well it was when I was a student anyway).

Some were known for their cheap drink deals, others for their dance music nights. 

There really was, and still is, something for everyone in the town centre. 

Sadly many of the old favourites are gone forever, sometimes being replaced with new establishments. 

But we'll always have memories of our old favourites. 

We've gained many new drinking establishments since they went but we'll never forget some unforgetable nights at these icons.

Here are just a few of the iconic bars and clubs Colchester has lost over the years:

• Sky Rooms, which is now Three Wise Monkeys

• The Dirty Penguin in St John's Street

• Route nightclub, in Queen Street, which is now The Gym

• The Twist, in Military Road, Colchester

• Nineteen, which is now Hudson
• Chicago's, which is now a creative business centre in Queen Street
• Layer Cake in High Street

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• TP's Sports Bar and Cafe, in Queen Street

• The Hippodrome, High Street - owner Steve Peri with Eastenders stars, Marc Bannerman and Michael Greco, at the opening of the Colchester Hippodrome Experience

• The Judge and Jury pub, by the town's magistrates court

We know there are lots more we have missed so if you've got any pictures you would like to share of bygone days email them to robbie.bryson@newsquest.co.uk.