Ah, the Ven! What a den of iniquity that was - if my Dad was to be believed! I was totally banned from it, so like any normal teenager in the 60s, I couldn't keep away! I remember sidling past, checking out the 'talent' but also keeping a wary eye out for my Dad just in case he happened to be passing (just my luck!) Fortunately for me, on the other side of the Savoy was a wool shop, so I could always pretend to be looking for some wool! Or even just checking the photos of what was on this week at the Savoy if he should happen to turn up!
But if he didn't, I would make a mad dash inside, order my coffee with my back to the door, then sit down the back, where he'd never see me! D) Later, as I grew a bit bolder, I'd meet with friends from John Bright's (when it was still a Grammar School) and we'd while away a whole Sat'dy arvo, talking about the important matters of the day - like which was the best Beatle or, wow! Cop an eyeful of HIM!
Those were the days my friends, we thought they'd never end....