Kingston’s nightlife got a chic upgrade with the grand opening of "The Turntable" at 118 Red Hills Road. It was officially opened by Senator Dudley Thompson, standing in for Mrs. Michael Manley. The club, owned and operated by Winston Blake of Merritone fame, had a capacity for 250 to 300 guests and featured two heart-shaped bars and a collection of abstract paintings.

Published Tuesday, July 24, 1973

New nightclub opens

“The Turntable,” Kingston’s newest nightclub at 118 Red Hills Road, was officially opened on Wednesday, July18, by Senator the Hon. Dudley Thompson, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. Senator Thompson was substituting for Mrs. Michael Manley, who, unavoidably, could not attend.

The club, owned and operated by Mr. Winston Blake, owner of the popular discotheque Merritone, is planned to reintroduce the style, says Mr. Blake, of Kingston nightlift, popular in the late fifties through sixties. Accommodation is for some 250 to 300 persons. The club is equipped with two heart-shaped bars.

A collection of abstract paintings is featured in the décor. Senator Thompson, who was introduced by Mr. Neville Willoughby, congratulated Mr. Blake on his grand effort in the introduction of a smart and attractive nightclub and wished him every success. He praised Mr. Blake for his imagination and noted with pleasure that among the club’s aims and objectives was a promise to promote Jamaican talent to the fullest.

Background music for the opening was provided by the club’s resident band.

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