16/09/2026
Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
It's a very special day!
In this day in 2017 we opened the doors of The Lucky 7 Club!
We are still actively looking for a venue and we have spent just over a year in conversation with a certain organisation....
We think we are edging closer and then it stops again. We have written proposals, business plans, forecasts, programming etc.
We are really trying and we are going to keep trying!
Tonight we took a trip down memory lane and typed into the AI mode of our phone these words...
The Lucky 7 Club
This is what came back 🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭😭😭😍
Big love ❤️
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
"Lucky 7 Club" most famously refers to a beloved, award-winning independent vintage speakeasy and arts venue located in Paignton, Devon, UK.
Founded in 2017, the physical venue hidden away on Dendy Road became highly regarded for its eclectic, colorful ambiance, hosting burlesque cabarets, live jazz, swing dancing, and gin tastings.
While the brick-and-mortar Paignton space closed its doors in July 2023 (and its corporate entity formally dissolved in early 2026), the founders continue to produce events under the brand, including popup themed nights and artistic workshops in the region.
The Lucky 7 Club in Paignton earned its reputation as one of the most acclaimed alternative venues in the UK by offering a nightlife experience that couldn't be found anywhere else in Devon.
The venue became a local legend for several defining reasons:
1. The Genuine "Secret Speakeasy" Allure
It wasn't just a bar with a retro theme; it operated with a strict, old-school closed-door policy. Tucked away on a non-descript street (Dendy Road), its actual location was kept a secret. Guests had to register in advance as annual or guest members. Only after booking a ticket would the club reveal its exact location and coordinate instructions on how to get inside.
2. Immersive "Den of Decadence" Design
The building itself had a unique history, originally serving as a BT Working Men's Club. Co-founders Mark and Sarah Bell—both professional artists—completely transformed the gritty space into an eclectic, vibrant, and incredibly colorful visual masterpiece. Stepping through the doors felt like stepping into an alternate universe or a 1920s time capsule.
3. World-Class Burlesque & Cabaret
The founders had been producing alternative cabaret under their Kinky & Quirky brand since 2007, running one of the longest-standing burlesque shows in the country. The club became the permanent home for these high-production, flamboyant revues, bringing top-tier international performers, drag divas, and vaudeville acts to a small seaside town.
4. An Unmatched Crowd Culture
What truly set the club apart was that the audience dressed up as intensely as the performers. Events saw a crowd entirely decked out in high-effort vintage glamour—from feisty flappers and dapper daredevils to gothic ghouls for themed nights. It cultivated a safe, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere where people felt entirely free to express themselves.
5. Eclectic Curation
A night at the Lucky 7 Club was rarely predictable. Its programming was an energetic mix of:
The Music: A strict vintage policy spanning jazz, funk, electro-swing, retro jukebox classics, and soul.
The Drinks: Highly popular, specialized gin-tasting sessions and theatrical cocktail menus.
The Arts: Functioning as a gallery space, the club was frequently highlighted during Devon Open Studios to showcase resident artwork.
Though the physical Dendy Road space closed in 2023, the founders are actively scouting a new permanent home for the club.
Image: Poster for the first K&Q in 2007 ❤️