Oswestry's most famous nightclub Gibbo's returning to town

The owner of the town’s most famous nightclub, John Gibson, has taken back control of the venue after years of it being leased to other companies and put his backing behind new manager Nicola Barkley.

Nicola, who has lived in Oswestry most of her life, said she was honoured to be taking on the town's beloved venue which will be named ‘Gibbo’s’ – the moniker given to the Gibson’s nightclub by locals over the last 30 years.

“This is my hometown,” said Nicola. “I’ve done events but this is the first time running a nightclub.

“I am so excited, really excited because I just think it is what Oswestry needs, to have it back, to have somewhere like this.”

Nicola, who has ben working over the last month to get Gibbo’s ready, has said there will be some experimentation in the first few months.

READ MORE: Exciting changes on the way as new management takes on Oswestry nightclub

This could include Karaoke nights and daytime raves or dance events as the venue looks to find a winning formula for today's punters.

The upstairs has also been made available as an events area which can be rented out for any occasion including “christenings, baby showers, 18th birthdays – anything you want.”

Manager Nicola Barkley and owner John Gibson have confirmed Oswestry's most famous nightclub is returning this weekend (Image: Ruairi Walsh)

Nicola said the primary focus will be on making the club the town's premier venue. This will see the return of the stage for dancing and DJs at the venue.

“John and his wife Julie both want it to feel like mine but I feel like the custodian,” said Nicola. “If I had come from further away it might be different but it was a place I’ve always known.

“You speak to people and it you hear ‘I met my boyfriend there, I met my husband there’.

“I think people have tried to change it and it hasn’t worked. I want to bring back to what it was. Why change it?”

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John, who has owned the venue since the late 1980s, said he was happy to see it return and confirmed he will be involved once again but will be leaving the main running of the club to Nicola.

“It was just a small bar at the bottom when I took it over,” said John. “It was the Grapes back then.

Owner John Gibson has taken the venue back on after years of it being leased by other companies and backed Nicola Barkley (Image: Ruairi Walsh)

“Initially I had the Tankard then I got a nightclub in Nantwich and the I sold it as I was offered quite a lot of money and I came back here. I walked past the windows and thought I am sure I can do something with that.”

Nicola said she felt really lucky to have John’s backing and the pair will both be in attendance at the grand reopening on Saturday (November 1).

“This Saturday night is launch night,” said Nicola. “It will be 8pm-12am, there will be music and DJs from 12.

“John is going to be here. It’s going to be free entry – we are going for it.”