It was known for its dry ice, ornate surroundings, and became the first club in Sunderland to broadcast live on a radio station.
Let’s take a look at the Chambers story from its very beginning in the year when we also celebrate the 180th anniversary of Mackies Corner where it was based.
These photos, plucked from the Sunderland Echo archive, aim to bring that story to life.
5. 'The air of a gentleman's club'
Our reporter at the time said: “With its Chesterfields, billiard room lights and 7ft Kenyan palms, it has about it the air of a gentlemen’s club.” | se
6. The brasserie added a new touch
On the ground floor, said the Echo, “there was a continental-style brasserie.” It was the only one in Sunderland and served meals, snacks and drinks from early morning until ‘very late at night’. | se
7. A warm welcome
A warm welcome awaited from all the staff, from the cloakroom to the bars. | se
8. Something Sunderland had not had before
Some more of the staff at Chambers. In charge of it all was John Banwell who opened Chambers after four years’ work. He said at the time: “We are trying to offer Sunderland something it has never had before: a nightclub and restaurant complex on a par with London and the major cities.” | se