Venue Spotlight: The Cookie, Leicester

This week, we find out more about The Cookie in Liecester.

We spoke to the Owner/Booker, Nik Sharpe, who tells us about playing host to the biggest names in music and comedy as Leicester's premier independent venue.

See full listings for The Cookie here >>

Venue details:

• The Cookie, 68 High Street, Leicester, LE1 5YP
• Capacity: 150

Has the venue gone through any major changes since it opened (location, renovation, style of music etc)?

It initially opened in 2011, and the basement venue was built in 2013.

How many gigs or club nights a week do you host?

On average 5 gigs a week and 1 club night.

Which band that's played your venue has gone on to be the best known?

Royal Blood, George Ezra, Wolf Alice, Blossoms, Slaves, Gaz Coombes, Band of Skulls.

Which band that played your venue deserved/deserves to be better known than they are?

JAWS - A band we we've worked with for years and have a great following, but they should be far bigger.

Do you host events besides gigs and club nights?

We host a lot of comedy shows and bar events, such as our TV themed cult-quizzes.

If you could change one thing about the live music industry, what would it be?

Longer tours, so the 'B' towns dont miss out!

Has your venue ever been threatened with closure? If so, what could have been done to prevent it/support you?

We've been very fortunate so far, and have great neighbours.

What's been your proudest moment working at your venue?

Taking the venue from a coffee shop, to a firmly established venue on the touring circuit.

What's the best show you've put on recently?

We've recently had 2 sold out shows with Rhod Gilbert, as a warm up for his new theatre tour (29th & 20th July 2018).

Track ​The Cookie here to keep up to date with all forthcoming events. You can also catch them on their official website, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.