The ECHO looks back at two famous Liverpool spots that had a starring role in the Scouse classic
Alexandra Pigg as Elaine and Margi Clarke as Teresa in the State nightclub in a scene in Letter to Brezhnev(Image: BBC)
This weekend marks 40 years since the Scouse classic Letter to Brezhnev was released in UK cinemas. The film, which was directed by Chris Bernard, follows two women as they meet two Russian sailors on a night out in Liverpool.
While Teresa, played by Margi Clarke, is happy to have a fling, Elaine, played by Alexandra Pigg, falls in love with her partner and is determined to overcome the obstacles of the Cold War to be reunited behind the Iron Curtain. 40 years on from the release, the film continues to hold a special place in the heart of many people from the region as it offers a window into the past of what life was like in Liverpool during Thatcher era Britain.
Bernard shot the film on location in Liverpool which gives Letter to Brezhnev an authentic feel as it captured what the city really looked like during this time with a beautifully shot scene on Leather Lane a particular standout. However, two of the most celebrated scenes in the movie take place in locations that have since been closed.
Elaine and Teresa meet Russian sailors, Sergei and Peter, while partying the night away at one of Liverpool’s most famous clubs, The State. The site was an institution of Liverpool’s nightlife during this period.
Located on Dale Street in Liverpool city centre, the site first opened as a stunning ballroom in the 1920s, before becoming a popular nightspot loved by generations of clubbers.
The State was Liverpool’s first Laser nightclub and by the 90s, became known for hosting huge events such as Monster Jam and Garlands.
After The State closed, the building was later made use of in 2003, when the State Ballroom acted as a temporary home to flagship bar Garlands. The Grade II listed State Insurance Building has been home to JD Gym since 2014
Following their meeting in The State nightclub, the couples spend the night at the Shaftesbury Hotel, a location which has since been demolished. The exterior shots are of the actual hotel but interior shots were shot in a studio.
Exterior shots of The Shaftesbury Hotel in A Letter To Brezhnev
Dating back to 1872, The Shaftesbury Hotel on Mount Pleasant was a familiar landmark, welcoming thousands from the city and across the globe.
Situated next to Roscoe Gardens and the Renshaw Street Chapel Memorial
On June 20, 1894, an advertisement in London’s Commercial Gazette described the hotel as “fitted with all modern conveniences.” At the time, the Liverpool hotel was considered excellent accommodation for “commercial men (having first class Stock Rooms)”, as well as having private rooms for families and ladies.
And decades later, The Shaftesbury was still thriving and attracting guests. In April 1960, the ECHO reported how the site was being reconstructed and new cocktail bar and lounge had opened.
But by 1996, the hotel’s name as we had known it for over a century changed as the site entered a new era. On May 14 that year, Liverpool’s newest hotel, The Mount Royal Hotel, officially opened for business.
At the time, the ECHO reported: “Northern Ireland firm Shapstone Investments has spent 1m on turning the former Shaftesbury Hotel, well known for its seedy role in hit film Letter to Brezhnev, into a plush new three star outfit. The hotel has been renamed Mount Royal and was last week awarded the British Tourist Board’s four crowns.
“The hotel was a leaking shell when it was bought by Northern Ireland entrepreneur Brian McGinnis last year for about 700,000. It was completely gutted and now has 32 bedrooms plus a smart pub, the Compass, and restaurant. Mr Simpson said: ”This is an exciting new addition to the hotel stock in Liverpool and for the moment at least we are the newest.”
But in February 2001, it was reported the hotel was facing demolition and new apartments being built under plans to revitalise the city centre.
Plans were in place to develop 41 luxury apartments at the Mount Pleasant site complete with ground floor restaurant and basement car park. Frank Clarke, who wrote Letter to Brezhnev, at the time said he would be really sorry to see it pulled down.
He said: “We chose it for Letter to Brezhnev because for people of a certain age the former Shaftesbury is the original home of the romantic rendezvous. To some Liverpool people it is just as famous as the Cavern or the Liver Buildings, it holds a great deal of memories for a lot of people. It will be really sad to see it passing.”
Today, part of the site is home to a Tesco Express. Letter to Brezhnev is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.