Clubs Quiz OK Karaoke
We call in to OK Karaoke for a chat with marketing manager Anj Gopinathan following the venue's recent refurbishment
What have you aimed for with the refurb and how has the venue changed?
We wanted our customers to feel relaxed and give OK Karaoke a more intimate feel. Nights at OK Karaoke are very lively, so we wanted to create another area where people could sit down and relax too. The main bar area now greets customers with a series of pink padded booths and orange lanterns. We also have these amazing tables that light up to show traditional Japanese images, giving the venue a really unique look. And in keeping with the OK Karaoke signature pink logo, we have a selection of oversized pink bamboo shoots and neon strobe lights - it gives the bar an added “wow” factor!
Is it important for venues to regularly change their look in order to stay fresh?
I think it’s great when venues have a “makeover”, it keeps customers interested. Our main aim was to create a whole new area in the bar, but we also wanted to give it a new look. We hosted a couple of revealing parties so our customers could view our new interior and the response was great!
What are the key things that revellers can expect from a night at OK Karaoke?
Lots of fun! We have great DJs who play a variety of music, and karaoke throughout the night means there is always an excellent atmosphere. We have private karaoke rooms too, which allow parties to enjoy karaoke within their own personal booth - they can hold up to 40 people, so we get parties ranging from four to 40! In addition to all this we have a variety of packages available for the private booths, where our customers can enjoy booth hire, drinks and food for a set price. One of the most popular aspects of OK Karaoke is our props - we keep a range of wigs, inflatables and instruments that add to the overall experience. OK Karaoke is definitely the place to come if you want an entertaining time.
What kinds of people visit OK Karaoke and do you have regular customers?
Our customers vary, we get all sorts of ages in and we don’t have a set type of customer. The private rooms are a great attraction and appeal to anyone who wants to hold their own personal party. Karaoke certainly doesn’t discriminate! We also hold children’s birthday parties throughout the day, so I guess you can say that karaoke appeals to all ages.
Is running a karaoke venue more challenging than running a conventional bar?
It’s different because we have the diversity of the private karaoke booths. As we take many private booth bookings, which range from hen parties to birthdays, to corporate and student bookings, in addition to general reservations, it means that there are two aspects to running the venue.
Could this Christmas party season be your busiest yet?
This is only our second Christmas and some of our weekends are nearly fully booked! We have various offers, including our Christmas packages and menus, so the response has been immense. Again the private rooms are a big attraction, as we seem to be a popular choice for the office Christmas party.
How do you think Leeds compares with other cities in terms of nightlife?
I think Leeds is one of the leading cities with regards to nightlife. There is definitely something for everyone.
What’s your song of choice if you take to the microphone yourself?
I think it would have to Barry Manilow’s ‘Copacabana’!
Posted on Thursday 11th October 2007
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