Brompton Road

Gillingham

Above photo circa 1990s.

Situated in a former NAAFI (Navy Army Air Force Institute) club building, that was erected in 1948, and was located between Gillingham and Brompton. This open as the "Excalibur Club during the 1980s.

Having been bought by the Canadians it was converted into the "Aurora Hotel" also known as the "Regency" through the 1960s and 70s, where the likes of David Bowie performed at what was known as the "Village of the Damned" blues club.

 In the 1980s now in the hands of the Degiorgio family it changed name to the to the "King Charles and Regency Ballroom," and operated along the lines of a nightclub.

Eventually by 1990 this had changed to the "Excalibur." It is said that the dance stage was about the size of a tennis court and could be elevated by hydraulics to reveal a light and water feature beneath.

The "Excalibur" offered a Monday night, non alcoholic evening to under 18s. But the main experience was of course held over the weekends.

By 1995, the premises had expanded into more of the hotel with several club rooms opening, like "Sloopy's Club," "The King of Clubs" and "The Palace." Other independent clubs hired the rooms throughout the week and the "Excalibur" continued throughout most of the 1990s.

Unfortunately its success attracted some of the rougher elements from London and regular police appearances started to give it a reputation that put people off and its popularity dwindled.

In 1998, after trying to change it reputation by a rebranding under the name of "Legends" the "King of Clubs" closed its doors and has subsequently been demolished. As yet date unknown.

I believe that a new hotel called the "King Charles Hotel" has been built on the site.

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