TURNKEY RESTAURANT

DEFINITELY THE BEST STEAKS FOR MILES, GREAT VICTORIAN DECOR. SADLY NOW CLOSED, ITS HEYDAY WAS LATE 60'S EARLY 70'S, IN THE DAYS WHEN IT WAS A REAL TREAT TO GO OUT FOR A MEAL!

it was a good night club to ! how bad wer them steps . especially after a drink.

We used to go to places like that because you could get meals that you couldn't get at home because you couldn't afford 'em.

It was a luxury then to eat out.

I don't know anyone in those days who asked the butcher for a fillet, rump or sirloin steak. The smell of the steaks cooking at the Turnkey was fantastic. The tall lady on reception was really efficient.

Being a young pup i only remember it being a nightclub
I agree chickdrum the stairs were a bit of a chore after a few beers.

Worked there for a spell, packed every lunch and night the best steaks around

I had my wedding reception there in 1969. they gave me rolling pin as a memento engraved "Turnkey restaurant". I still use it

We had to save up to go to the turnkey!! it was a reet posh place in them days the 70s henry7 the steaks was really nice melted in your mouth hummmm

It was actually called "The Turnkey Cellars" and it was themed to look like a Dungeon, it would have been in the early 1970's when myself and my family went there for a meal and if I remember rightly it was a good meal too, I would have been aged about 12 at the time

I remember the "Outside Inn" at the back,with it's false shop fronts giving the "plaza" effect.

Does anyone remember the old bottle of brandy in the glass case? think it was dated 1869 cos nearly sure it was over 100year old then.

does`anyone remember the fancy dress charity day we all roller skated from the turnkey through to standish and back, calling at every pub on the way there and back!! My mate could nt stop on the way down wigan lane and ended up under a bus are you out there Andrea Taylor from Hindley Green.Remember you lived at ours for 2 years Michaela green mornington high

I used to go there for meals when i was little with my mum and dad, then the nightclub when i was older.

I used to work at the Turnkey in 66/67 I was 15 then. Mr Hay was one of the Managers and he was lovely I can't remember the other ones name. Started in the kitchen then on to waiting tables and loved it and then left to go to South Africa. Came back in 2000 and still catching up with the old times.

does anyone remember the chicken broth mmm. never tasted anything so good

Chicken & Barley Broth was the must have starter on a Winters day although the Prawn Cocktail was always favourite in Summer and both were followed by a medium/well Sirloin. In 1971 pre-decimal the price of the Broth plus Steak believe it or not was £1-2s-6d.

I agree the chicken and turkey broth was fantastic, wish I had the recipe. It was a real treat to go there for a meal, their sneaks were gorgeous, probably better quality beef in those days, it all seems tasteless now.

My nan was manager there for ages, i think it was in the 70's when a restaurant

cjmwigan

Was your Nan the tall lady on reception?

All our family went to the Turnkey in the late 70's for my grandma's 80th birthday

No i dont think so, she isnt tall, she worked there when Roger Doxey had it

The Turnkey was owned by the same people who own Smithhills Coaching House in Bolton. In the later 60's you got a starter, black pudding was my favourite, a main course, ice cream and fruit and cheese, and all for just under £1.00.

Remember going in with my mum and dad when I was little for a meal in the 70's. Remember the 'Farthing Bike' bit where you went for coffee after your meal, it was styled like a dungeon but had a penny farthing at the bottom on the back wall. This room turned into the food cafe bit when it was a nightclub. Also remember the false shop front's.
Such happy Thursday nights in their, when you could wear your jeans and trainers. Happy days !

Really used to enjoy going to the Turnkey as a treat in the 70s and having a lovely steak. I always followed this with a chocolate nut sundae, this was abs delicious, mmmm can taste it now!

cjmwigan, i remember your nan when roger and myself was a bit under the weather your nan would put the takings in the boot of rogers car and lock up while we had a nightcap,i think she took over from barbara (the tall girl)mentioned by another poster.

Whats your name ill ask her to see if she remembers you, is Roger still around?, thanks for the reply

i loved the turnkey best food in wigan,especially the chicken and barley broth,

Dick Topping and I installed the gas appliances, got invited to the opening night