Inside Britain’s oldest nightclub where drinks still cost just 75p

The oldest operating nightclub in the UK is after a blue plaque to recognize its place in British history – and its extremely cheap drinks.

The Acapulco nightclub in Halifax, West Yorkshire, opened in 1961 and even to this day, punters can still buy a drink for just 75p.

To mark its 65th anniversary, the iconic venue has launched a campaign to secure a Halifax Civic Trust Blue Plaque, which would stand as a lasting tribute for future generations, celebrating the club’s unique place in the cultural and social history of the town.

The club was founded by Polish immigrant Ted Turczak, who came to Britain after escaping the horrors of the Second World War. Originally opening as what was almost an illegal casino, the venue went on to become a Halifax institution before passing to Ted’s children, Chez and Chris Turczak, and later to current owner Simon Jackson.

Simon first joined Acapulco as a DJ in 1992 before taking over the club four years later in 1996 and has since helped maintain its reputation as one of the UK’s most lasting nightlife venues.

Known affectionately by locals as The Mighty Acca, the nightclub has built a loyal following thanks to its nostalgic atmosphere, community spirit and famously cheap drinks, which have been priced at 75p before 11pm for the past two decades.

‘We’ve set all our drinks at 75 pence for the last 20 years,’ said Simon.

‘The idea was that people who don’t have that much money can come in, enjoy a night out and help get the club busy. Then those who want to stay a little later can spend a bit more on drinks.’

But Simon believes it is the atmosphere and sense of belonging that have kept people returning through the generations.

‘It’s still very much a 1980s, 1990s nightclub. It’s quite party orientated, so you’ll still get things like Village People played. But it’s got character and obviously it’s done alright. It’s been going for 65 years and it’s still going strong now.’

Unlike many modern venues, Simon says Acapulco has always focused on entertainment and the local community, regularly hosting giveaways, family-friendly events including a summer festival and special nights for people who may otherwise struggle to access nightlife.

‘It’s not like a normal nightclub where it’s all about raves, drugs and profit,’ he said. ‘This is more of a local thing; it’s more about entertainment and enjoying yourself.’

The club hosts regular Special Educational Needs (SEN) nights, inviting children and young people with learning difficulties or disabilities to experience the excitement of a nightclub in a safe, alcohol-free and welcoming environment.

‘I think we are the only nightclub in the area that do it, because nobody will touch it because they’ll say, “Oh, can’t do it for insurance,” and all sorts of rubbish,’ Simon said.

‘Anyhow, somebody came to us and said, “Would you do this?” we just said, yeah. And now we do them, and they’re really nice and they’re successful. They pay £8 entry, but everything is free when they get inside.’

The SEN nights take place four to six times a year, often around major holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas, and Simon says the events are just as meaningful for parents as they are for the young people attending.

‘It’s also the parents, because they think their kids will never get to go to a nightclub and experience all that stuff,’ he said. ‘And the kids tend to like the moving lights and a little bit of sound and smoke, it’s quite exciting.’

For other customers, Simon says the Acapulco continues to offer a place where people can enjoy a night out without spending a fortune.

‘The majority of the nights, it’s people that want to come out, forget all their worries, and not have to spend a fortune,’ he said. ‘You’re not spending 50 quid on drinks. You can literally come out with 20 quid and probably go home with change.’

Simon was first encouraged to apply for a blue plaque after two separate people suggested the idea, before someone eventually put the club forward for consideration.

While he is proud that Acapulco is being recognized after 65 years, Simon says the campaign is also about giving back to the community that has supported the venue for decades.

The full cost of a Halifax Civic Trust Blue Plaque is approximately £650, and any money raised above that target will be donated to Halifax Street Angels, a local charity that works on Friday and Saturday nights to keep the streets safe and support vulnerable people in the night-time economy.

‘It’s only £650, but I thought, if everybody donates, and we can get thousands involved, then maybe we can raise thousands for the Halifax Street Angels,’ Simon said. ‘And it’ll keep them going for another couple of years.’

For Simon, the plaque would also recognize the resilience of a venue that has survived some of the toughest periods for the hospitality industry, including the Covid pandemic and the closure of many nearby establishments.

‘At the moment, with so many pubs, clubs and restaurants closing, it just shows people there’s still a bit of hope,’ he said. ‘We’ve had hard times – some very hard times. But if you keep persevering, you can get through them, can’t you?’

‘I think originally, if I’m going back maybe 20 years ago, there was probably about eight or nine nightclubs, and now there’s just us left.’

You can donate to the GoFundMe page here: