Harry's Bar opened in 1983 as Devine's Wine Bar. My personal recollection is very vague, going back some 30 plus years. It was dark, down a flight of stairs and resembled a large cellar. It is entirely possible that this was a remnant of the old Royal Sea House Hotel that used to grace that plot of land until 1925 when it was replaced with the arcade. It always appeared bigger than it was with the clever use of mirrors.

I do recall that the clientele was a very mixed bunch but this was a time when we were far more tolerant. The doorman at the time was clad in leather with the ubiquitous gold medallion hanging around his neck.

Sadly, it is no more. On a recent visit to look at the Sea House Bar on the roof top we spoke with the building owners, who informed us that the old bar is now a store room. Nothing remains.

The gentleman pictured left is Harry Frost, the man behind Harry's Bar. Sadly he passed away in June 2016 aged 90. Our thanks to Steve Walker and Harry's son for permission to use his picture

Something that came to light:

I've been trying to establish the start and end date of Harry's Bar when I came across this advert in 1989. It would appear that the cellar under the Connaght Leisure Centre, home to Harry's Bar was previously the Old Music Variety Bar; two of the owners were Harry and his wife Kay. I think it's reasonable to assume they decided to try a different avenue and theme.

Part of the appeal of Harry's Bar was the nightclub above . It would appear you could by a ticket that would allow you to enter both establishments, an advantage for late-night drinks places.

 Time Line

 A little bit extra

1994 - Harry and Kay Frost
2001 -

Jayne Fenner recalls that in 1986, when she used to attend what became Harry's Bar, it was known at the time as the Posh Pussycat Club. Jayne remembers there used to be a raised fish pond feature next to the bar entrance, which she admits she fell into after a 'heavy' night.