Discotheque Royale vs Piccadilly 21s: which was your favourite 90s Manchester club?

If you were young and ‘mad fer it’ in 1990s Manchester, there was one question that defined your weekend: Royales or 21s?

A choice that said everything about your vibe, your music taste, and probably what you were wearing.

Were you doused in Lynx Africa and pulling your best shapes beneath the glint of 27 chandeliers at Discotheque Royale? Or were you necking a £1 vodka and Coke at 21s, dodging elbows on the sticky floor, and making lifelong memories you might not remember?

For the generation that came of age during this golden era of going out, you didn’t do both.

You picked your camp—and you stuck with it. Royales was all glitz, glamour and glitterballs; 21s was cheap drinks, chaos, and pure unfiltered fun.

They were different worlds, but each offered a kind of magic that only Manchester could deliver.

Discotheque Royale vs Piccadilly 21s

Discotheque Royale

Following its stint as a picture house and later a bingo hall, the Theatre Royal was transformed once again in 1989—this time into one of Manchester’s most iconic nightclubs, Discotheque Royale.

Better known simply as “Royales,” the venue became a glittering beacon of late ’80s and ’90s nightlife.

Operated by First Leisure Corporation, the company behind landmark venues like Blackpool Tower and the Winter Gardens, the conversion of the historic theatre into a nightclub was no half-hearted effort.

With a reported £3.5 million pumped into the redesign, Royales was envisioned as the crown jewel of Manchester’s club scene, a blend of grand Victorian architecture and full-throttle, high-glam party energy.

Inside, it was a clash of centuries in the best possible way.

The building’s original features, including its magnificent proscenium arch, huge fluted pillars, and intricate plasterwork, were lovingly restored to their former glory.

These classical elements were then juxtaposed with bold late-1980s design choices—black lacquered surfaces, chrome finishes, and 27 oversized chandeliers, each sparkling under the glow of a computer-controlled lighting rig suspended above the main dancefloor.

That rig, in itself designed to resemble a giant chandelier, pulsed in time with the music, throwing strobes and colour across the grand balconies where theatre-goers once wept at operatic arias. Now, those same balconies gave clubbers a prime spot to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere below.

Statues of cherubs, velvet drapes, and sprayed-on gold leaf added to the extravagant aesthetic, lending the space an unapologetic kitsch that would become part of its charm.

The club was spread across three levels, with winding walkways linking each floor to the next.

As well as the dancefloor and multiple bars, there were plush dining areas and VIP spots perfect for a bit of celebrity spotting—something that became a regular occurrence at Royales.

Footballers, soap stars, models, and musicians were regularly spotted among the revellers.

On a good night, you might see David Beckham or Dwight Yorke rubbing shoulders with fans of DJ Brutus Gold’s famed Love Train disco nights, which became a mid-week institution throughout the ’90s.

Royales offered a glitzy, slightly tongue-in-cheek alternative to the grittier, underground clubs that Manchester is often known for.

Where The Haçienda was about rave culture and raw energy, Royales was all about big hair, bold fashion, and unashamed fun.

It drew in a crowd looking to dance, flirt, and indulge in the kind of theatrical escapism the building was quite literally built for.

Piccadilly 21s

Piccadilly 21s, on the other hand, was located in the heart of Piccadilly Gardens and was a party paradise that Manchester needed.

The club had a reputation for being loud, messy and sticky, but also for its notoriously cheap drinks.

The club was infamous for its rough atmosphere, frequent fights, and involvement in dodgy gang drug deals.

The building previously housed a massive Woolworth store, which was tragically affected by a deadly fire in 1979, resulting in several fatalities and subsequent safety regulations.

It also featured a hot dog seller outside selling 50p a punt hot dogs that often caused huge queues late into the night. 

After years of closure, the building was transformed into an amusement arcade and nightclub, both known for their loud and cheap entertainment.

Piccadilly 21s attracted a crowd of individuals who couldn’t get into other, more popular venues, earning a reputation as a “spill-off” club.

The club featured two spacious floors, with a large dancefloor on the first floor and a surrounding balcony.

The upstairs area included a dark and quiet seating area, as well as a VIP section in the far corner, known for its extravagant and train carriage-like design.

It was known for its unique features, including chandeliers and plush sofas in the toilets, that set it apart from other clubs in the city.

Unfortunately, 21s gained a somewhat sinister reputation as gang members and other unsavoury figures became a solid part of its clientele, leading to its permanent closure in 2004.

Manchester’s favourite nightclub?

For many Manchester locals, Discotheque Royale and Piccadilly 21s were the go-to places for a night out.

Usually, people would go to one or the other, depending on their preference for music, atmosphere, or just personal preference.

Discotheque Royale attracted crowds with its lively music scene and electric atmosphere, while Piccadilly 21s was famous for its cheap drinks, unique décor and energetic ambience.

For those who frequented Discotheque Royale, the club left an indelible mark on their memories.

The club’s dance floor was always packed, and its music was some of the best in the city.

The DJs at Discotheque Royale were known for their eclectic mix of genres, ranging from classic 80s hits to the latest dancefloor anthems. The club’s vibe was infectious, and partygoers would dance the night away, lost in the music and the energy of the crowd.

For others, Piccadilly 21s was the ultimate party destination.

The club’s sticky floors and loud music were part of its unique charm.

The drinks were famously cheap, and the chandeliers in the toilets added a touch of class to an otherwise raucous setting.

Many students made Piccadilly 21s their regular hangout, drawn in by its lively atmosphere and affordable prices.

Discotheque Royale or Piccadilly 21?

Despite the many differences between these two iconic Manchester clubs, they both share a place in the hearts of many locals.

Whether you preferred the electric atmosphere of Discotheque Royale or the sticky floors and cheap drinks of Piccadilly 21s, these clubs were a vital part of Manchester’s nightlife scene in the 90s.

In the years since their closure, many Manchester residents have looked back fondly on these two iconic clubs.

For those who were lucky enough to experience their unique charm and energy, the memories live on.

Have you got any photos from nights out at Discotheque Royale or Piccadilly 21s? Send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured!