Address: 1 Rougier Street, York, YO1 6HZ (now The Hooting Owl)
Description
This modern ghost sign adorns a stained wooden background, displaying the word ‘Society’ in bold black lettering.
It serves as a reminder of a nightclub that once occupied the space.
History
The Society Lounge, established in 2012, was a once-bustling nightspot in York that closed its doors at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
It has remained vacant, aside from hosting the Blueberry Academy pop-up shop.
This temporary initiative provided a vital training ground for individuals with learning disabilities, offering them a chance to develop crucial skills in customer service and money handling by selling gifts and hardware.
2020 – After the closure of the Society Lounge
In 2024, the premises underwent another transformation, reopening as the upmarket The Hooting Owl and Curious Cat Distillery.
The new establishment, which produces a range of gins and rums, retains much of the Society Lounge’s original layout due to the similarities in business types, such as keeping the smoking area intact.
This photo captures the original sign, of which only the outline remains visible today
The Society Lounge was known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a dance floor and DJ booth where chart-topping hits resonated, and an upstairs area that added to its club-like feel.
Popular with students, it offered free entry on Wednesdays with a student ID, attracting a youthful clientele with its affordable drink prices and diverse music selection.
During the day, Society functioned more like a café or restaurant, serving coffee and food to a daytime crowd.
Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!