Welling 1960's Mod Venues: New Additions

A Memory of Welling.

I recently shared memories of the many clubs, bars and dance halls that sprung up in and around Welling during the mid 1960's Mod era. Since then several other venues have come to mind. I remember the Sunday evening disco at The Welcome Inn, a big pub on Well Hall Road, Eltham. It was held in a large hall at the back of the pub, packed to the rafters every week. The venue had to close after a major fire. Also in Eltham, live music acts appeared regularly at Eltham Baths including top artists such as The Kinks. The Locarno at Streatham was a huge dance hall that drew Mods to its weekly discos from all over London and the environs. In 1969 it changed its name to the Cats Whiskers, to the Studio in 1989 and the Ritzy in 1990. Chislehurst Caves is an extensive 22 mile warren of tunnels at Chislehurst. Many bands and solo artists performed there throughout the 60's including David Bowie, a Mod icon in his very early career. One other dance hall of note was the Black Prince, a large pub on the A2 at Bexley which specialised in mainstream R&B acts such as the Pretty Things, Zoot Money, and Geno Washington. Mention must also be made of clubs Peynton Place, The Location, and the 78's, though I cannot for the life of me remember their locations.