Tributes paid as former nightclub boss dies

Tributes have been paid to a former Nottingham nightclub boss after he died on New Year's Day.

Mike Knight spent decades in charge of city centre venue The Palais, previously known as Ritzy, which reopened last year.

The 77-year-old later became involved in the Nottingham branch of the Pubwatch scheme, and volunteered as a custody visitor.

Hazel Taylor, who worked with him for 12 years, said he will be sorely missed by many.

Ms Taylor said she first got to know Mr Knight in 1985 when working alongside him at the nightclub.

Even after she moved jobs they stayed in touch, so much so she made him the godfather to her son.

The 66-year-old, who lives in Mansfield, said he was a well-respected figure across the city, describing him as "Mr Palais" after his long association with the club.

"He helped a lot of people in the industry," she said.

"He was a very funny man, a very kind man - very hard on the outside, but soft in the middle - and he was very generous.

"He was very well known everywhere around Nottingham."

Steve Hudson, who grew up in West Bridgford, began working as a glass collector in what was then Ritzy, before running clubs such as Oceana in Southampton.

The 56-year-old said Mr Knight was instrumental in attracting high-profile figures to Nottingham.

"Stock, Aitken and Waterman had a Christmas party here, and Rick Astley was singing - it was a wonderful night," he said.

"Mike was great at putting together a team - there are lots of managers who he's shown the way and they've gone on and done well in the business .

"He was a force of nature, he was very tough but fair, and all around the club you knew he was there."

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