Derek Pearson Posted May 22, 2007 Share Posted May 22, 2007 (edited) Following on from the thread re now and then photos of old soul club buildings https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48820 here's a couple of pics of an old infamous coffee house in Bradford. I don't know what it's history was or is - sixties mod hang out perhaps? - or maybe it was simply one of the first new breed coffee houses in town where all the cool young folk could gather - I don't know, all I do know is that it's always mentioned with reverance by older Bradford lads. I realise technically it's not a soul club and because I wanted it to attract some feedback I posted it up in a seperate thread so it wouldn't get submerged in the original one. (Quote) I've got a great photo of an old Bradford Coffee Bar that's so evocative of the times that it's worth the half hour I'm gonna spend looking for it this aft. When you see it I'll expect to hear gasps of acknowledgement all round (laughs) (Quote) The sign reads Continental Coffee House but it was always known as the 'Hole in the Wall'. Note the 2 single doors boarded up; entering through the left hand side one took you into the ground floor cafe; however the right hand door lead downstairs to the basement coffee bar which is -I guess-where the action was. These pictures were taken by me in July '86 and I can't honestly recall whether I actually ever went into this establishment for drink or whatever. In my time I don't even know if the downstairs bit was ever open. What wins it for me is the signage, 'Drink Coca-Cola' above which is a boy passing a mini-skirted blond girl a bottle of coke through a hole in the wall. If I took the photo's mid '80s how come the sign had lasted so well? Because it had been boarded over with a cheap very basic sign for many years. Just taking the photo was all about seizing the moment, opportunities an' all that. Seem to think the cafe had been damaged due to a small fire and was boarded up for security. It stayed like that for several months but one day whilst walking past I noticed all the rough boarding had been removed in readiness for a total refit. Luckily they'd also removed the nasty modern top sign to reveal the Coca-Cola pair underneath. Thought Mmm better bring my camera into work tommorrow and take some pictures pretty sharpish before they get covered over again. I returned to take these photos the following day and within 24 hours the builders had returned and the refit started. derek Edited May 22, 2007 by Derek Pearson 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Julianb Posted May 24, 2007 Share Posted May 24, 2007 Hi Derek I remember it well. Used to go on the old Lambretta GT200 around '68. Happy days. Julian ( mod at the time) Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Derek Pearson Posted May 24, 2007 Author Share Posted May 24, 2007 Used to go on the old Lambretta GT200 around '68. Julian ( mod at the time) Hey up Julian hows it going? Ah I see "1968" "Mod" - so was/is this the history of this place then? Can you add anymore thoughts on it? See you around, derek Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Julianb Posted May 24, 2007 Share Posted May 24, 2007 Hey up Julian hows it going? Ah I see "1968" "Mod" - so was/is this the history of this place then? Can you add anymore thoughts on it? See you around, derek Hi Derek We are both keeping well, but not been to a soul do for a couple of weeks ( last one was when I djed at The Mill, Croston for John Orritt's charity do. Might get to Rolls Royce barnoldswick tomorrow though) it was one of those 'mod' places you had to be seen at ( along with the Continental in Cleckheaton, Earlsheaton Youth Club Dewsbury, Morley Town Hall, Plebs and Victory Lounge Halifax etc.Played motown,stax, atlantic stuff on the jukebox.We were members of the Tong Scooter Club ( I think that's the correct name) based in Tong, Bradford (and on a different thread on SS, I still have my leather Levi jacket from '67. Julian Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest veep1296 Posted June 16, 2007 Share Posted June 16, 2007 Hi Derek & Julian, In the Summer of 1969 or 70 i met Andy Simpson,Fred ?and Paul ?in Morecambe where i lived.. i was selling hot dogs, burgers and Doughnuts from a hatch in Barrys Cafe on the front...now called Fletchers...they had come across on scooters and sold me a knock off Ben Sherman (very small orange gingham check!!). We kept in touch then later that year went over and met them at the Hole in the Wall...thence to the MARKET!!!...MGM,VERVE,GORDY ,SOUL,TAMLA, MOTOWN etc etc....HAPPY DAYS young and innocent! DF Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Stubbsy Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 Derek, I frequented the Continental Coffee Bar 69 & 70. This was where I first got into the music, before it was known as NS. Was originally a mod/scooter hang out later becoming frequented by Skinheads. Many times trouble outside with the local greasers who used to hang out at the Gondola coffee bar just down the road! Friday & Saturday nights used to be rammed. Buy one coke stay there all afternoon/evening Jukebox down there was wonderful. Packed with Motown etc. Hole In The Wall was a disco through the back. All the latest sounds from The Wheel being brought back and spun in there. Oh happy days 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest mooma Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 BLOODY HELL! Derek you are making me show and feel my age now!! started going down there in 1967!! 13/14years old! B4 there ws a DJ it was a juke box the lad who was the dj was known as Prince John!! Little bloke who also did the MECCA on a Monday night!!! The Elizabethans were a local group that went down there also! Later to become the famous group SMOKEY!!! HAPPY DAYS sue bushby Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Hi Derek & Julian, In the Summer of 1969 or 70 i met Andy Simpson,Fred ?and Paul ?in Morecambe where i lived.. i was selling hot dogs, burgers and Doughnuts from a hatch in Barrys Cafe on the front...now called Fletchers...they had come across on scooters and sold me a knock off Ben Sherman (very small orange gingham check!!). We kept in touch then later that year went over and met them at the Hole in the Wall...thence to the MARKET!!!...MGM,VERVE,GORDY ,SOUL,TAMLA, MOTOWN etc etc....HAPPY DAYS young and innocent! DF The other two were Fred Keery and Paul Reas. Regards Andy. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Kegsy Posted August 28, 2008 Share Posted August 28, 2008 Hole n The Wall Spent most of my latter (slamming) schools days in there. Making two bottles of coke last all day and playing the table football. As has been said it was a Mod/scooter boy venue with mostly motown/Atlantic/Stax on the playlist. When a Dj called Spook played tho we got the sounds he had heard at the wheel. It started my time on the scene really, well that and meeting Andy Simpson Et Al. Kegsy Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 (edited) Hi from another ,that spent time at 'the cont' 'hole in the wall. Pretty much as the others have said, the ground floor was the coffee bar and through the other door down some steps that led into the cellar bit which was also a coffee bar and over on the right a hole in the wall into the disco bit complete with dance floor DJ and fluorescent light. Every one drank bottles of coke ( 1 shilling ) and spent lots of their time listenning to the music, The scooters used to line up on Godwin St and it was regular to see maybe 20 ,Sunday afternoons was a busy time with some of the lads landing back from a session at the Wheel or other all nighters.Lambrettas were more popular than Vespa ,but thats down to the Local dealer at Shipley Lens. This was very much the place I guess from early 60s certainly 64 and 65 were well busy times Motown , Stax and Atlantic been the new sounds. The local record shop was Pearsons Records had a really good section for 45s . I could say more of that as I knew Tom and most of the lads that worked there , Dave , Toby , Pete , and of course Ethel. Some of the names I remember and there will be more ,but its an age thing. It tends to be nicknames, I,m not even sure of my nickname then I think it went from Mac, Macca so here goes with the wheels if I can remember. Peaky. GT 200, Specca, SX200, Batesy, LI150 ? Peanuts, Cressy, OB, Colely, I will get back with others . I think the hole only openned up on certain nights ,and may have opened up Sunday s , could do with some help here. It was a great place to hang out , PS I went to school with the Alan, Chris, Terry. Edited September 25, 2008 by StaxofSouinds Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Books Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 I was born and brought up in Bradford (Wyke) and started going to the Continental in 67/68 usually when skipping certain lessons from Carlton School (Manor Row). Regular visits to the "Hole in the Wall" followed. I visited the Casino in Wigan, the Twisted Wheel (still do) and various other venues up north but I would still maintain "the hole" was the best atmosphere I have ever experienced. It is probably an age thing. My father ( worked for a builder) claimed that he had made that hole in the wall with a large sledgehammer at some point in the mid sixties. He banned me from visiting the place for a time because of drug scares but I never witnessed any and they were quite vigilant on the entrance. It was open Wednesday, Friday (3 bob and a free drink) and Saturday evenings (3/6d). And I was there as often as possible for about 3 years (14 to 17). Due to the aforesaid ban I told my parents I was at the pictures, I had to claim several art house films to cover three nights a week. I was also at the Mecca (Mondays) which was allowed. Both played a mixture of Motown, Stax and Atlantic with a few then unheard of labels thrown in. It was at the end of this period in 71 I think that I saw Junior Walker at the Mecca, he didnt appear on stage until about 4 am. He was supported by the Bandwagon. I pass the place infrequently now but the nostalgia remains. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Petedillon Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 We used to travel through from Leeds to the Hole-In The Wall ! Thats a blast from the past ! Remember going one time and as we got there we were bombarded by pigeon shit from above.as we cut under a tunnel, I think...I managed not to get hit but one or two of the crowd had to go home again, as they were covered.. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
SOULCENTRAL Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 Hi Derek I remember it well. Used to go on the old Lambretta GT200 around '68. Happy days. Julian ( mod at the time) HI JULIAN, IF YOU STILL HAVE THAT OLD LAMBRETTA IN THE SHED I WILL GIVE YOU A HUNDRED QUID FOR IT ROY Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Kathryn Magson Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 I was a regular at the Continental from around 1964-67 - until I graduated to The Market Tavern, Pack Horse & Cellar Bar. Lots of happy memories - Coke 1/- a bottle making it last all night.....pinball machines.......chewing gum stuck to the ceiling.....Still in touch with a few old mates from back then, but always pleased to hear from anyone else who remembers those happy days! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest AUGIEPLY Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 I've been retracing my steps as a youth and remember both "The Cont" & The Hole In The Wall, remember quite a few of the names mentioned in this thread, especially Kegsy, Andy Simpson, Fred Keery. I used to go with a small crew from Shipley. It wasn't always easy to gain access, often needing accompanying by a local Bradford Lass to go through into The Hole in The Wall. The year must have been 68/69. As long as you had money to buy a coke you could remain in the cafe but could be asked to leave if you overstayed your welcome. A lot of Scooter boys used to hang around and line their bikes up outside, I do remember one incident where the Gondola Mob headed by Chaney, Sonny Jeng, Ginner and other guys pushed over the Scooters like Dominoes. The 'B' Boys not happy... Being from Shipley and also a skinhead at the time didn't always attract the warmest of receptions but eventually tagged on with a young Bradford girl for a few weeks, bought me a cracking Ben Sherman for my birthday, romance fizzled out and Leeds United became my passion. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mr Fred Posted December 24, 2017 Share Posted December 24, 2017 On 24/05/2007 at 15:40, JulianB said: Hi Derek We are both keeping well, but not been to a soul do for a couple of weeks ( last one was when I djed at The Mill, Croston for John Orritt's charity do. Might get to Rolls Royce barnoldswick tomorrow though) it was one of those 'mod' places you had to be seen at ( along with the Continental in Cleckheaton, Earlsheaton Youth Club Dewsbury, Morley Town Hall, Plebs and Victory Lounge Halifax etc.Played motown,stax, atlantic stuff on the jukebox.We were members of the Tong Scooter Club ( I think that's the correct name) based in Tong, Bradford (and on a different thread on SS, I still have my leather Levi jacket from '67. Julian We, that is myself Fred Ward,Howard Lockwood,Howard Earnshaw and Des Harris used to get over to the Vic lounge one night during the week. Vinny the landlord was always pissed.Al Stephenson was always there and Geoff Armstrong.If I remember correctly wasn't Al Stephenson's record collection on permanent loan to the Vic Lounge. Slightly off thread but Do you remember Studio 58 off new Street in Huddersfield. ALL the Huddersfield wheel crowd used to frequent. To name a few Pip, Frankie Carr,cobber and Keith Nester ,Ivan Moorhouse ,Ralph Senior (r.ip) mart, mosh, I can remember it as if it was yesterday.Regards Fred. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Petedillon Posted December 24, 2017 Share Posted December 24, 2017 The tunes on the jukebox in the Vic lounge were legendary Fred.. the Continental and other venues were all regular venues for the Leeds crowd .. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Dave Lawton Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 I was a member of Bradford & Pudsey scooter club( B-Boys) in the 1970s a club which formed in 1968 i believe by members from the Tong scooter club, who all met on the one way street, i dont know when Tong disbanded but B-Boys are now in their 50th year and there will be a reunion on 23rd June. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
davidLI150 Posted May 29, 2020 Share Posted May 29, 2020 (edited) What great memories of the Continental coffee bar and the Hole in the Wall. We used to get a bottle of cheap plonk (aged 16) from Yates Wine Lodge, knock it back, then get through the hole in the wall as fast as possible before starting to slur our words. Fabulous soul music. How about Junior Walker and the All Stars playing Roadrunner down there... magic. Back in 1968 I was also a scooter boy with a while/red LI150, bought from Len's, and the mandatory parka. I think the scooter must have travelled further on its side than on its wheels (not because of alcohol as I didn't drink and ride, but because I was utterly unskilled!) I remember we all went to the east coast (Scarborough?) one weekend. On a 125! Happy days... Edited May 29, 2020 by davidLI150 improvement Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mick sx 200 Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 Hi I used to go to the hole in the wall sometimes round about 1968 -69 . I was in the Keighley scooter club and hung around with the boys in the tong scooter club . We hung around Rossi’s cafe bar in Keighley . Anyone got any pictures of those days . 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Kathryn Magson Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 On 02/01/2021 at 11:06, Mick sx 200 said: Hi I used to go to the hole in the wall sometimes round about 1968 -69 . I was in the Keighley scooter club and hung around with the boys in the tong scooter club . We hung around Rossi’s cafe bar in Keighley . Anyone got any pictures of those days . There's a "Hole in The Wall/Continental" Facebook page that you might find interesting Mick - you might find some of your old mates on there, I'm still in touch with some of my friends from back then. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Mick sx 200 Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 Hi Kathryn thanks il try that 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Kathryn Magson Posted March 7, 2021 Share Posted March 7, 2021 So sad to hear today that Andy Simpson - one of the names I remember as a well-known & very popular face from my crazy, madcap teenage years as a young Bradford Mod - has passed away. RIP Andy Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Algsoul Posted March 7, 2021 Share Posted March 7, 2021 hi kath maybe you could post is sad passing re andy in all about soul section more of his mates would see it there 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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