Lakeside Leisure Complex

[1] The complex was established in 1972, when Bob Potter bought Wharfenden House and the surrounding grounds and lake.

[2] He soon doubled the hall to 1,000 seats principally for hosting comedians and musicians, including North American and internationally acclaimed acts.

[10] The venue has hosted acts such as Tommy Cooper, Morecambe and Wise, Sammy Davis Jr, Frankie Vaughan and Bob Monkhouse.

It is a mixed members' club, hotel and selection of restaurants with snooker, pool, darts, ten-pin bowling, squash, bars, an events nightclub and well-equipped gym.

Darts commentator and personality Sid Waddell looked back on the early darts era when Lakeside was "arguably the best club in Britain": Tom Jones, Jim Davidson and other stars packed the joint, while Margaret Thatcher herself said it was one of her favourite places for Tory jollies.