It was one of Sunderland’s best loved nightclubs and memories of Bentleys still live in the hearts of Wearsiders.
But we wonder how many of these 11 facts you knew about the Holmeside venue.
We found out lots about the former favourite including the managers, staff, regulars and some of the fantastic attractions that you would have found in Bentleys in its heyday.
So read on for memories of bungee games, bucking broncos, charity nights and even the club’s links to Showaddywaddy.
Once you have had a good browse through our gallery of recollections, get in touch to tell us more.
Or perhaps you would like to tell us about other types of nostalgia you would want to see in our retro section.
It might be memories of your favourite shop, club, nightclub or restaurant. Maybe you want to get back in touch with former workmates from a Sunderland factory, or with pals who you went to school with.
Or perhaps you would like to share memories of a sporting occasion in the past which you would like to revisit.
Tell us more by emailing [email protected]
1. 400 turned up
Four hundred people turned up and queued in the pouring rain when news that there were jobs in positions from management to cleaning staff. | se
2. Top man in charge
The former manager of the pop group Showaddywaddy was named as the man who would run the £1.2 million entertainment complex. Newcastle-born Bill Gibbeson managed the group for ten years. Under his new job, he would supervise a staff of 100 and be in charge of the centre’s nightclub, pub and restaurant.
3. Praise from the Home Office
Bentley's was praised in 1986 by an independent working party which was set up by the Home Office. It praised the way that the nightclub was helping to cut down on town centre trouble by setting up non-alcoholic discos.
4. 6,000 milestone reached
By December 1986, the nightclub's alcohol-free night had attracted 6,000 young members who would otherwise have been at a loose end.