An American-style pool bar is set to open in Durham City and the owners are hoping the new venue will have people cue-ing up.
Kitt’s, which will open at the end of this month above CeX on Durham’s Riverwalk Development, will be the first pool room and bar in the city, offering a mix of English and American tables.
The venue, which will be filled with American sports memorabilia and serve up USA-themed food and drinks, is the brainchild of friends and business partners Martin Rodgers and Ben Davis, who wanted to bring something unique to the city.
Martin, who has formerly worked in hospitality management roles, said: “I’m a huge pool enthusiast and there’s nothing quite like this in Durham. It was massively important to us to create a venue that’s bursting with character and charisma – and that caters for both men and women.
“It’ll be the ideal date night venue, a place to gather with friends and have some fun and we’ll also be catering to pool enthusiasts and professionals, too.
“We’ve taken all the aspects of great bars: top-class drinks, laid-back food and added plenty of fun and a big personality to Kitt’s.”
Martin met Ben – who is also one of the founders of Old Toms Gin Bar and Tin of Sardines in Durham, as well as sister venue, Tin of Sardines Roker – while repping for a vodka brand during covid.
He added: “We got chatting about my vision and the rest is history. It’s a real dream come true for me to open my own venue and to have Ben on board, with his expertise in opening venues, is a win-win.”
Kitt’s Pool Room and Bar will feature seven English 8-Ball Tables, including a professionally calibrated Supreme Winner, plus an Ultra Luxury Rasson Ox American Table – as seen on TV in the Mosconi Cup International, an annual nine-ball pool tournament between teams representing Europe and the United States
Table prices will be £10 for an hour, plus the pair will be launching Memberships with exclusive deals.
“It’s really important to us that we cater for all generations,” said Ben. “We want to help kids get involved with the sport, too, so will be putting on special dates for them to come and play.
“It’s fantastic to be part of what is going to be an amazing venue for Durham. There is a lot of regeneration work taking place in the city right now, so it’s an exciting time to be opening a new venue.
“It hasn’t come without its challenges, as Kitt’s has been two years in the making. The venue had to be right, the menu has to be right as we only have a small area to serve food from and we have to offer the right vibe. It’s brilliant to see it all finally coming together.”
Kitt’s, which is named after Martin’s late grandfather, will serve up stonebaked pizzas and American-style hot dogs with toppings based on north and south American films and music.
The menu will feature the Luchador – with garlic mayo, jalapenos and bacon bits; the Mob Boss, inspired by Al Capone, with hot dog relish, mustard and pickles; and the
Trailblazer, inspired by the movie Blazing Saddles, with baked beans, BBQ sauce and bacon bits.
Bourbon and speciality rum will be a main staple on the drinks menu and drinks brand Jack Daniels has also commissioned a mural inside the venue – to add to the American sports theme.
“It has been so much fun doing the place up, sourcing American number plates to go on the walls, basketball and baseball memorabilia and creating something that everyone can enjoy,” said Ben.
Kitt’s Pool Room and Bar will be open from 11am to 12am Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 1am Friday and Saturday.
