Greater Manchester's lost floating nightclub that was 'the' place to go

A lost floating nightclub that boasted multiple bars and a restaurant was "the" place to go in Greater Manchester decades ago.

Bobbing gently on the still waters of Salford’s Pomona Docks, t he North Westward Ho! started its life as a nightclub in the early 1970s. Situated next to a De Havilland Comet aeroplane that had been transformed into a restaurant, clubbers would embark on the ship up a gangplank to dance the night away, play pool or enjoy a meal.

A business venture between George 'Jud' Evans and Colin Peers, after permission was granted, the ship was brought up the ship canal and be rthed at Pomona. It had originally been the Isle of Wight Ferry Vecta, built in 1938, and latterly the excursion ship Westward Ho! before becoming a nightclub with different plush bars, a restaurant and a venue room.

Read More:

Manchester nightclubs and bars where we boogied in the 1970s

It is also said to have been at the Dunkirk evacuation. But many still have fond memories of its life as a floating nightclub and how unique it was for a generation of clubbers.

Daughter of former owner George, Freja Evans Swogger, 57, grew up in Halewood, Merseyside and remembers the early days of the club before it officially opened its doors in 1974. She told the Manchester Evening News: " I spent quite a while there, sleeping on board while it was being done up before it opened as a club.

"I remember it being huge, it seemed like a huge boat. An awful lot of work had to be done, I remember a lot of drilling and nailing and painting and they were very busy.

"I know my dad did a lot of it himself. I remember it being a sunny place but not an awful lot going on or nobody else around.

"I do remember thinking why is this here, but I would