The Loft

The Loft is a nightclub currently owned by Robbie Roscoe, possibly jointly with Warren Fox. It was established in September 2000 by Rory "Finn" Finnigan and Lewis Richardson. In 2010, Cheryl Brady bought the nightclub and renamed it to Chez Chez, but the name was reverted when Mercedes and Paul Browning purchased the club in 2013.
The Loft has overseen many dramatic events over the years. In August 2001, Lewis's attempt to burn down the club was foiled by his partner Ruth Osborne. In June 2004, the club was set alight by then-owner Scott Anderson to cover Darren Osborne's attempt to frame him. In May 2009, the club was set alight by Clare Devine, resulting in the supposed death of then-owner Warren Fox. In October 2013, Clare planted a bomb in the club but it was inadvertently moved to 28a Fern Street, and Jonny Baxter prepared to detonate a bomb in the club in September 2019 but ended up detonating it in the back garden of 65 Christleton Terrace.
Jess Holt pushed her brother Steve off the fire escape in March 2001, Justin Burton pushed Clare off the fire escape in June 2007, and Freddie Roscoe pushed Grace Black over the fire escape in November 2014. Serial killer Toby Mills first two victims were planted near the club and discovered there, whilst in May 2024, Lizzie Chen-Williams died of a drug overdose on the dance floor.
== History ==
=== 2000-2003: Lewis/Finn/Tony Ownership ===
In February 2000, aspiring entrepreneurs Rory "Finn" Finnigan and Lewis Richardson purchased the Yard from Deva owner Mr. Morgan, with plans to build a nightclub on part of it. Keeping the pre-existing Octagon as a storage unit, construction of the club was completed in September 2000. The nightclub itself was launched on 28th September, with Jack Osborne serving as licensee. Finn's partner Victoria Hutchinson assisted in the operations of the business, whilst Izzy Cornwell was hired as DJ and Cindy Cunningham as barmaid.
Lewis's problems with casino owner, loan shark Lorraine Wilson, affected the club. Lewis was indebted to her and The Loft was used as collateral. Lorraine began playing an active role in running the club, hiring her own bouncers for the club. The bouncers ended up dealing drugs which resulted in Cindy's young daughter Holly swallowing an ecstasy tablet (furthermore resulting in Jack evoking his licence), and Taylor James being viciously attacked by the bouncers. Finn used Victoria's investment money to pay Lorraine off, which they made Lewis pay back in installments. Lewis ended up developing a gambling addiction and stole from The Loft, but Finn accused barmaid Laura Burns and sacked her.
Trouble kept occurring at The Loft's door as pimp Steve Holt was pushed off The Loft's fire escape in March 2001. In August 2001, Lewis's partner Ruth Osborne caught him preparing to set the club on fire to pay off his gambling debts. She convinced Finn and friend Tony Hutchinson to buy Lewis out, and Finn and Tony began running the club together. Lewis died from suicide in October 2001. Finn left the village in January 2002, leaving Tony the sole owner until he sold the club to Scott Anderson in January 2003.
== Owners and Employees ==
=== Owners (Timeline) ===
:See Also: The Loft/Employees#Owners
== See Also ==
* Chez Chez
The Loft interior.jpg|The bar
The Loft interior 2.jpg|The dance floor
Category:Hollyoaks locations
Category:Nightclubs
Category:Buildings on Oakdale Drive