Swindon sports bar gets off to good start after opening

Cuetopia opened its doors on Sunday, June 26, and has been welcoming lots of customers ever since in what has been a busy first few months of operation.

Paul Adams, 50, set up the bar with his wife Julie in the summer and it is well and truly a new venture for the pair.

“Me and the Mrs run the place together. I have never had a bar before, this is a total change of career as I have previously been a builder,” he said.

“Everyone always said I should run a bar but only now did I think I’ll give it a whirl.”

The new bar has several pool tables for customers to enjoy. (Image: Cuetopia)

Swindon-born Paul enjoys pool personally and thought it was the right decision to bring it to the town.

“There is a pool club around the corner but there are no others around, so we thought it would be something else to bring to the town centre,” he explained.

“The hours are long but that’s fine as I am used to it and it’s all totally worth it.”

Customers have taken well to the bar too in its opening months, making it a real hit with the locals.

“Business has been very good; we get lots of various walk-in trades and people who come every day so it’s not just familiar faces you’re seeing,” said Paul.

“We even get several of the Swindon Town players coming in after the games and they mingle with the fans.”

Pool forms the way of life in the bar heavily and it is not just for entertainment as Paul also helps sponsor four professional players too, while hosting coaching sessions at the location as well.

“I am trying to do a lot more for the youths and we actually do sponsorship deals as well with four in place currently,” explained Paul.

“For us its not just a pub or a pool hall, it is an environment for everyone”

There are many options when it comes down to what to drink at the bar. (Image: Cuetopia)

Alongside the pool, the bar also has darts boards, poker tournaments and is also offering full coverage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“We show all sports in here with several big screens dotted around the bar,” said Paul.

“We’re doing promotions on drinks and foods throughout the World Cup and despite it being in winter this time, we’re getting a good atmosphere in still.”

When asked about England’s chances in the competition, Paul was in two minds.

“I think England have a good chance, but I have Brazil in my sweepstake,” he laughed.

“If they both make it to the final, I think I might get one of those half and half shirts made to be neutral!”

Poker can be played at the venue as well as pool. (Image: Cuetopia)

Fear not though if you are not a sports fan, as Cuetopia can still be your go to place for a drink at the weekend, with music being the priority on Saturday nights.

“On the weekends we turn the music up on the jukebox allowing people to select their own songs,” continued Paul.

“It is not just a place for sports. The bar has a nice feel and atmosphere to it, and we are changing more and more things as we go along.”

You can find Cuetopia at 54-55 Bridge Street in the town centre, with the bar open from 11am to 11pm on Mondays through to Thursdays.

The bar closes at the later time of midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, having the earlier start time of 10am on the latter, and the Sunday hours are 12pm to 11:30pm.

For further enquiries, you can contact Paul on 01793618180.