Express & Star

First LGBT bar opening in Cannock

The first LGBT bar in a Staffordshire town is throwing open its doors this month.

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Candi Caine promotes Candi Caine's Caberet Lounge, Cannock, which opens shortly

Candi Caine's Cabaret Lounge in Cannock will open to revellers on November 17.

The bar is owned by drag queen Andy James, known as 'Candi Caine', and his partner and father-in-law.

They have ploughed £60,000 into revamping the entertainment venue which used to be Quartz nightclub.

Mr James, aged 44 from Great Wyrley, said: "I am really excited to open the bar.

"It is something that this area has been crying out for - Cannock is a big town.

"This bar will change the face of Cannock's entertainment night life."

Andy James also known as Candi Caine

Mr James has given the bar a new coat of paint and installed new furniture.

He has also opened the bar up inside so it is 'one big open space' and not sectioned off areas.

A reveller died at the bar when it was formerly Quartz nightclub in August 2017.

Ryan Shelton, aged 25, plummeted 40ft to his death after he fell over a barrier at the rear of the building.

However Mr James says the bar's managing agents have invested £90,000 in improving the safety to ensure no such incidents will happen again.