Swindon's clubbing scene has gone through a series of rapid changes in recent years. 

Once a bustling night out, most revellers are now limited to two locations "bottom of town" and Old Town. 

But that wasn't always the case. Before closing, places like Brunel Rooms (and later Liquid Envy) in the centre of town would provide people with more options.

Casbah and Medina were two other offerings, but their closures came much later - with Casbah closing just before the Covid pandemic.

Here we'll take a look back at some of the events and nights out people had back then.

Brunel Rooms

The Brunel Rooms, which opened in 1973, was a major part of youth culture in Swindon and for miles around for well over three decades.

One of the standouts of the Havelock Street club was its revolving bar.

Former Swindon Town players Chris Kamara last year shared his experience of the bar on BBC Wiltshire. 

He said: "I think it was the Saturday night, it was in August and I stood at that revolving bar but didn’t know it was a revolving bar because it went very, very slow. I had a couple of beers, went to the loo and came back and the company I was in - a couple of teammates - weren’t there.

“I thought ‘they’ve only done a runner, they’ve only gone and left me’. I went outside and the bouncer who’d let us in I went to him ‘did the lads all go?’ He went: ‘No, I haven’t seen anyone.’ I went back in and realised it was a revolving bar.”

Swindon Advertiser: Brunel Rooms - Easter Sunday 2006Brunel Rooms - Easter Sunday 2006

The Brunel Rooms hosted early performances by future global stars including Blondie, Iron Maiden and The Jam.

Swindon Advertiser: Brunel Rooms - Easter Sunday 2006Brunel Rooms - Easter Sunday 2006

It was owned by the Swindon-based Reid family and run by Stephen Reid.

It continued as a popular nightspot until 2008, when it was taken over by club operator Luminar and closed for a major refurbishment and became Liquid Envy.

Swindon Advertiser: FHM Honeys Party at Brunel Rooms 2006FHM Honeys Party at Brunel Rooms 2006

Brunel Rooms did make a small comeback in 2013 after a social media campaign grew traction. 

But closed again eight months later after a number of issues from the owner being jailed for fraud and assault to huge financial pressure from the terms of the licence and lease.

Swindon Advertiser:

Liquid Envy

Radio One DJ Tim Westwood opened the revamped Liquid Envy club under its new name in April 2008.

Swindon Advertiser: VIP night at Liquid Envy in 2008VIP night at Liquid Envy in 2008

It played host to more big names including, Professor Green and Zane Lowe.

But in 2010 the club was forced to have its hours cut after its licence was reviewed by the council.

Swindon Advertiser: VIP Night at Liquid Envy in 2008VIP Night at Liquid Envy in 2008

Police said Liquid and Envy, in Havelock Square, has been associated with a disproportionate amount of drunkenness and disorder.

Swindon Advertiser: Big Weekend event at Liquid Envy in 2009Big Weekend event at Liquid Envy in 2009

Officers said Thursday nights at the venue were becoming a particular problem when drinks were offered at reduced prices.

Swindon Advertiser: Big Weekend event at Liquid Envy in 2009Big Weekend event at Liquid Envy in 2009

The club eventually closed in November 2011 when holding company Luminar went into administration the previous month.