Lakeside Leisure Complex facts for kids
The Lakeside Leisure Complex is a large hotel and entertainment center located in Frimley Green, a town in west Surrey, England. For many years, from 1986 to 2019, it was famous for hosting the open and women's BDO World Darts Championship every January. It's a place where people can stay, enjoy shows, and have fun with different activities.
History of Lakeside
The Lakeside Leisure Complex started in 1972. A man named Bob Potter, who was born in 1928, bought a house called Wharfenden House. He also bought the land and a lake around it. Bob Potter quickly made the main hall much bigger. It could then hold 1,000 people. He wanted to host famous comedians and musicians there. Sometimes, these performers were from North America or were known all over the world. Later in the 1970s, there was a fire at Lakeside. But it was rebuilt and opened again.
Exciting Events at Lakeside
The Lakeside became the home of the World Darts Championship in 1986. This was a very important event for darts fans. The Club itself sponsored the championship from 2004 until 2019.
Many famous entertainers have performed at the Lakeside. These include legendary stars like Tommy Cooper and Morecambe and Wise. Other big names were Sammy Davis Jr, Frankie Vaughan, and Bob Monkhouse.
In 1987, a large event called the 'Small Business Bureau Conference' was held here. The people who organized it said it was the biggest business conference in Europe at the time.
Fantastic Facilities
The Lakeside Leisure Complex has many different areas for guests.
- Main Entertainment Area
The biggest space is called the Main Cabaret Suite. It can hold up to 1,170 people. This suite is perfect for big conferences and banquets.
- Other Spaces
- The Canal Suite can hold 350 people.
- The State Suite is a smaller room for up to 100 guests.
- Bob's Bar is a place to relax and have a drink.
- The Sharman Suite is another area for events.
- The Wine Bar offers a different atmosphere.
Lakeside is a club for members, a hotel, and has several restaurants. It offers many fun activities. You can play snooker, pool, darts, or ten-pin bowling. There are also squash courts, bars, and a nightclub for events. If you like to work out, there is a well-equipped gym. Close by, you can even rent canal barges for day trips. These trips go along the beautiful Basingstoke Canal. The local area also has many golf courses, including those near Wentworth and Sunningdale.
Lakeside's Golden Age
Sid Waddell, a well-known darts commentator, once talked about the early days of darts. He said that Lakeside was "arguably the best club in Britain" back then.
He mentioned that famous performers like Tom Jones and Jim Davidson would fill the place. Even Margaret Thatcher, who was the Prime Minister, said it was one of her favorite places for fun events with her political party.
Many people believe that Bob Potter and his complex inspired the TV show Phoenix Nights. This comedy show by Peter Kay features a character named Brian Potter, who runs a club.
