The Bamboo Club was opened in St Paul's in 1966 by Tony Bullimore and his Jamaican-born wife Lalel, as a response to the lack of a Caribbean venue in the city. At the time, black people were either made unwelcome in city venues or their interests were not represented. At best they were tolerated, often refused entry and at worst they were assaulted or arrested. Tony and Lalel faced considerable early hostility when obtaining planning permission and licenses for the club.