Although 'Smokeys' has been entertaining the people of the Maidenhead area since 1995, the building itself has been in the same family for 40 years and was once a very well known cabaret venue called 'The Silver Skillet'.
Bought by Ron Page in 1967 'The Silver Skillet' was a unique venue where some of the nations biggest stars in the world of entertainment appeared night after night for the local public.
Originally a restaurant Ron quickly saw an angle with which to guarantee a full house every night- and used his links in the entertainment world to lure some of the nations biggest acts to come and perform in a room which some of them joked -' was no bigger than their front room!'
The 70's and early 80's were heady days for the Skillet, with the likes of comics Lenny Henry, Jimmy Tarbuck, Michael Barrymore, Jim Davidson, Roger de Courcey and Nookie Bear, Mike Read and Bob Monkhouse regularly performing here.
From the world of music we were regular hosts to three Eurovision song contest winners- Bucks Fizz, Brotherhood of Man and the lovely Sandie Shaw.Other big name stars included Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Searchers, Gloria Gaynor and the Tremeloes.
However it was the family atmosphere of the venue that accounted for its success. After the show Stars could be seen at the bar drinking with the customers and more often than not they would be joined by other celebrities who had come down on their nights off. It could certainly be said that the show lasted all night at the Skillet!
By the mid 90's however it was time for a change. The recession coupled with the advent of Digital TV meant that the Cabaret scene had died, and Smokey Joes Roadhouse was born.
Smokeys was founded on the same ideals as the Skillet- good entertainment, good atmosphere, good value for money and a safe environment with which to enjoy yourself.
From the very beginning the new idea of cover bands was a great success, and on the opening night in January 1995 The Steve Gibbons Band opened to a full house.
In 2003 the Wednesday Student Night was launched, opening Smokeys up to yet another new generation. In fact Ron's sons Dean and Lee are regularly approached by the younger customers informing them that 'their parents or even their grandparents used to come here and know Ron!'
In 2007 with the smoking ban coming into effect in July, the building began its fifth extension in 40 years, with a rooftop balcony area that was opened to coincide with the ban. At the same time work began on the VIP lounge bar which opened in early 2009.
Whatever the future holds for Smokeys, it can certainly be said that the Page family has thoroughly enjoyed entertaining the local public for the last 40 years; and so here's to the next 40!!
