Historic nightclub Waterfront returns to Hull under new ownership
Legendary nightclub Waterfront made its return to Hull this weekend (February 1).
Having traded under the name Atik Hull since it was acquired by Rekom UK in 2017, the multi-storey venue has been rebranded to harken back to the venue’s “glory days” in the ’80s and ’90s.
The future of the venue had been in doubt after Rekom UK, the UK’s biggest nightclub operator, announced that it had called in administrators last year; the venue had existed near-consistently as a nightclub since 1978, when it was converted from an industrial warehouse into a nightclub and restaurant.
Read this next: Leeds venue to give out lollipops to clubbers so they “keep quiet”
The venue officially reopened on Saturday (February 1) with a launch party featuring the British rapper and singer ZieZie; according to Hull Live, a spokesperson said: “For the first time in many years, Waterfront will now be back fully open, with a space and environment to suit everyone.”
Set across five floors, Waterfront has been refurbished with new lighting, soundsystem, LCD screens, CO2 jets and confetti cannons.
It features a main clubbing space, a “Retro Room” complete with arcade machines and a lit-up dancefloor, a basement set to play disco, house and techno and The Loft – a separate event space.
According to Waterfront’s website, the venue is now also home to Hull’s one and only dedicated R&B space, Boujee, where you can opt for a more exclusive clubbing experience with VIP booths and table service.
Read this next: New Manchester club Amber’s announces weekly Sunday event
The venue has undergone several transformations since it originally opened as Waterfront in the summer of 1978, becoming a hugely popular clubbing destination, particularly throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
A fire forced the venue shutter in 1996. But following a rebuild in 2007, the venue was reborn as Sugar Mill and stayed that way for 10 years, before transforming into Atik Hull in 2017. Now, according to Waterfront’s spokesperson, the venue has a name that harks back to its “glory days”.
Henrietta Taylor is Mixmag’s Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter
