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Hanley’s newest karaoke bar is hoping to become a permanent fixture on the city centre’s pub scene by welcoming in waves of would-be crooners. Manager Jack Richardson-Need says the boozer was born to ‘dish out fun’.
The Strangled Cat – owned by operator Breakthrough Bars – has replaced Hanley Bloom after it shut permanently on January 18. Owner Ryan Fanthorpe says the ‘new concept’ is proving to be a hit with revellers.
The venue offers karaoke fun seven days a week, open from 5pm most weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays, before shutting at 12am. Pints range from £4.50 up to £5.40.
Manager Jack told StokeonTrentLive: “We had a great product, but we decided to try something new. We wanted to do something different. So The Strangled Cat was born!
“What really makes us stand out is that we’re a dedicated karaoke bar. That’s where the name came from – everyone has heard someone walking past a karaoke bar and saying, ‘It sounds like a cat being strangled to death’ when the person isn’t very good! It’s just a bit of fun. We’re not strangling cats in the back, contrary to what some might believe.
“We’re different from the rest of what’s on offer on Piccadilly and I think that’s important. Our colour scheme is green and red, which people say should never be seen. But that’s the name of the game. We’re just here for a party, a great time. We’re a bit nuts but that’s what it’s all about! Who wants boring when they’re out for a bit of fun?
“We opened up on Saturday and we had a great response. There was lots of people here and there was a real party vibe atmosphere.”
The Strangled Cat is still in its early development, but has big plans for the future menu. Jack explained: “Right now we’ve got our Strangled Cat lager on tap alongside Camden Hells, Mahou and Kopparberg. We’ve also got a wide selection of premium and house gins and spirits if that’s more your kind of tipple.
“Soon we’re going to be launching all of your classics cocktails as well. So pornstar martinis, sex on the beach, mojitos, stuff like that. That should all be coming in the next few weeks as we get on our feet.
“We’ll also be launching food in a few weeks – we’re just finalising menus and things like that. But there’s lots of interesting stuff coming down the pipeline. The food will be going in a slightly different direction than Bloom.
“We’ll be focusing mostly on party food for your table, nibbles like chicken wings, hot dogs and nachos that you can enjoy with your friends while you have fun.”
Venue operators have reassured fans of Bloom that their famous brunches will soon be back on the menu too. Jack said: “People can hire out the venue for private karaoke events and brunch in the not-too-distant future. You can get in touch via Facebook, giving us a ring or just by coming in and asking.”
Now, staff are hopeful that the ambitious rebrand will be a success with customers. Jack added: “We’re just here for a party. At the minute we don’t know what the future holds. It’s just a bit wacky, a bit strange, but ultimately it’s very fun.
“We’re not taking it too seriously. We’re just going to see what happens and have fun with it. We’re all a bit mad so we don’t know.”
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