It was the smoky, laughter-filled club where pint glasses clinked, Engelbert Humperdinck sang and darts legend Eric Bristow stepped up to the oche.
But now, one of the largest working men's clubs in the Midlands is about to be wound up.
The committee of the 900-member Scraptoft Valley WMC in Netherhall, Leicester – known affectionately as "Scrappy Valley" – has called time on the club.
City councillor John Mugglestone, who used to play darts there, said it was a sign of the times.
He said: "It is a great pity the club has closed. It used to have the best lounge of any working men's club in the country.
"But it is the victim of people buying alcohol in the supermarket and drinking at home. People just don't go out so much now."
It is understood the complex, which includes a 400-seat concert room could be sold and re-opened in the spring.
Mick Challinor, secretary of the Leicester Branch of the Club and Institute Union said: "It is a shame such a large club with such a rich history should be going.
"But it is just another one in a number of closures.
"People are simply not using the clubs these days. What with cheap booze in supermarkets and some pubs selling cut-price drinks, many clubs cannot compete.
"I spoke to the club members recently and they told me about the situation.
"It is simple. If people don't use their club they will lose it."
In recent times the club, which also has a 100-seat lounge, allowed charities to use the buildings for free.
It was also hired out for private parties, sports events and meetings.
The "Scrappy Valley" opened in a wooden shed in 1959, before moving to its purpose-built premises on Grantham Road.
Over the years, it attracted such well-known names as Eric Bristow, Norman Vaughan, Bernard Manning, The Krankies, Billy J Kramer, Englebert Humperdinck and the Barron Knights as well as many other lesser-known live entertainment acts.
As recently as 1997, the club won the 'best in the country' award.
Insolvency practitioner Situl Devji Raithatha has been asked to organise a meeting of club members to wind up the business. Mr Raithatha, of Leicester's Springfields Business Recovery and Insolvency Limited, said his first duty was to ensure that the creditors were paid from the assets of club.
A meeting is to be held for creditors and members on March 3, at 11am.
He said: "We would like as many members as possible to attend."
Members will be asked to vote in Mr Raithatha as the liquidator to wind up the club.
No members of the committee were available for comment.
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