Well, 2024 has had it's ups and downs... Yes, I know we are only just into March! We buckled up ready for the slump in trade that January usually brings, but things weren't too bad! We had our sold out Panto on the 1st week back, we were busy for the quiz and Audionasties and Fret Heads gigs the following week, sold out for our comedy night, drag cabaret and end of month gigs with Dirty Deeds and Popscene, in fact, all of January's events did well. We started into February and the non-event trade started to dip a little, but the events were still pulling a good crowd, some reaching max capacity... Then it hit... The inevitable post Christmas slump had finally started to kick in. The last Friday in February was officially the worst Friday we have had since we opened back in 2020! The whole town was eerily quiet. Whilst things have thankfully picked up since then, they still feel a little fragile. Perhaps a normal response would be to hold back a little, err on the side of caution and wait for the market to improve, but here at The Crooked Crow Bar, we don't do normal!! Leighton is starting to lack it's Buzz and by playing things safe and giving into the slump, it will surely only get worse. Besides, we already had to cease trading during the lockdowns, then trade at a vastly reduced capacity during the restrictions and then struggle to build things back up in that (understandably) slow & cautious post-pandemic market. Whilst that feels a lifetime ago now, the reality is, it massively impacted the first 3 years of our trading and now, entering our fifth year, there's no way we (or any other independent business), would survive another period of waiting for things to get better! It's now or never. Make or break. Do or Die. Okay, that may be a little bit dramatic, last year was pretty decent and we aren't quite on our arse just yet, but starting over the next couple of months we have decided to throw everything and the kitchen sink at making this the year we start to thrive. It was always our intention to run more events each week and we have now got the motherload of events lined-up, from games nights and quizzes to vinyl DJ sessions, drag cabaret's, stand up comedy, film nights, theatre and more live music than ever. Works to the escape room on the 1st floor have re-commenced, so hopefully that will be launching soon. We have also looked at our opening hours, and will be opening during the days as a café vibe/work from home space, very soon. The next couple of months will be a bit chaotic as we get into the swing of offering more, but watch this space, because there are exciting things to come!!
Despite my many moans, we have had some epic gigs already this year, including the legendary John Otway, an immense CCB debut for Flint Fire Prodigy Tribute and hilarious stand up from Paul Tonkinson!
So what is coming up, I hear you ask... Well, my drunken, event-loving friends, have a feast on this...!
Thursday 14th March: Big Fat Film Quiz.
Yes it's our 2nd quiz of the week!
Tonight it is our Film Quiz, (compiled and hosted by film critic, Van Connor).
If you're a fan of the big screen and think you know your Peter Pan from your Lieutenant Dan, your In Bruges from your Moulin Rouge, this is your night to shine!!!
8pm start. Teams of up to 6. £1pp.
No pre-booking needed.
18+
Dogs welcome (although, we hear their film knowledge is terrible)!
FRIDAY 15th MARCH...
Live music from The Rooters!
Prepare to get blown away by some EPIC classic Rock!!!
The Rooters are legends on the rock circuit. With brilliant covers of rock classics by the likes of Iron Maiden, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Eagles, Blue Oyster Cult and more.
We are SO excited to have this band back after their brilliant gigs last year!
Free entry. 9pm
Saturday 16th March...
12-6pm: BYO Vinyl
Great fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Great decks (Technics) & sound system.
No superstar DJ skills required! Just come and play your favourite records!
All genres welcome.
No pre-booking needed.
No rigid time slots.
This is an adult space (over 16s only). Pool table, darts and board games available to play. Great beer, locally roasted coffee available.
Dogs welcome (although not on the decks)! Outside food allowed
Saturday 16th March...
9pm: Live music from Desert Penguins
Dust off those dancing shoes, as the brilliant, Desert Penguins are back at The Crooked Crow Bar for a night of high energy, fantastic, rocked up pop!
Entry is free (on a 1st come basis).
Live music starts between 9-9:30pm
We close at midnight.
18+
No dress code (though we do prefer our customers to wear clothes of some description)!!!
Sunday 17th March...
12-4pm: The Lounge Buzzardz Sessions
Join us 12-4pm for a vibrant mix of laid back beats... Lounge through the quirky sounds of the eclectic, with vinyl DJ, Will B and guests. Our hangover special, Bloody Mary's will be back on the menu, and there's great beer/coffee, pool table, darts & board games. Free entry. Dogs welcome. 18+
Special guest this month will be Miss LAO who will playing a lounging mix of Latin grooves…
Join us The Crooked Crow Bar for a lounging experience!
Wednesday 20th March... The Zombie Games!
Zombies are about to invade The Crooked Crow Bar... Time is running out! We need the help of a crackpot team, but which one? The greatest minds at The CCB have put together a test, one that only the most intelligent, skilled and (possibly) pissed, will be able to overcome. Could your team meet the challenge?
Only 1 booking per team required.
Teams of 2-4 people. 18+
Entry fee of £3pp, payable on the night
Start times are 8 or 9.30pm.
The bar is open as normal for pre/post drinking/debrief!
Thursday 21st March: Clothes Swish!
THE DROP: 15:00-19:00
THE SHOP: From 20:00
Bring up to 10 items of clothing*
£2 ENTRY FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK
☆ FREE new wardrobe
☆ Complimentary cocktail (between DROP & SHOP, 7-8PM)
☆ Supporting Cancer Research
☆ Take home new-to-you clothes
☆ Bar is open til 11pm
*Adult clothes, good condition, only clothing items can be accepted.
All leftover items will be donated to Cancer Research UK
18+
Friday 22nd March...
Live 2Tone, Ska & Reggae from the brilliant Inflatables!
This is their CCB debut and so we really want them to have a fantastic gig, so we can convince them to come back!!!
Tickets are £10 adv (and are selling quick)!
Doors: 8pm
SATURDAY 23rd MARCH...
12-6pm: BYO Vinyl (see above for details)
9pm: Live music from The Zeroes.
It's always a fantastic night when The Zeroes are in town. These guys were the 1st ever band to play the CCB, before we have even finished building it! Plus they were the 1st band to play after restrictions lifted and the footloose-style ban on live music ended!
Playing a mix of alt 80s and 90s, originals and dance floor essentials, all with a bit of a Latino twist! Free Entry
Sunday 24th March...
It's The BIG Sunday Shakedown!
The finest rock n roll and rhythm and blues with 3 fantastic rock n roll bands and 3 fantastic rock n roll vinyl djs!
4-10pm.
Tickets are just £10
Get yours while they are still available!
PLUS we have our Castle Comedy coming up the last Wednesday of the month (tickets will be available on our website tomorrow), live music from The Kopy Katz on Saturday 30th, Ska From The Bar, Easter Sunday 12-4 followed by live music from Talkin' Loud. Gazza Records has 2 fantastic gigs lined up for us in April too. All details will be in the next newsletter and if you can't wait that long, check our website for details and ticket links!
Lastly, it goes without saying, running more events, means that more than ever we REALLY need your support. so if you, like us, want this year to be the year that The Crooked Crow Bar finally makes its stamp as the finest independent events bar in the world (or at least, in Leighton Buzzard!), then here's what you can do to help...
Pop in and see us!
Buy some merch (available on our shop on our website)
Tell everyone and anyone from your mates to your gynaecologist about us!
Come to as many events as you can!
As always Crow-Be-Ones, your support is really appreciated!!!
