Nieko Strobel is the sparkling smile behind Ku Bar’s Sambuca-spangled success. He puts the Ku in KUrageous and the Bar in wunderBAR! He’s also got a formidable tag-team behind him (so to speak). Among others, there’s fash mag slag Lady Lloyd, sizzling steak slice Rodrigo, and a harem of bar staff that would make Liz Hurley look up from Tatler and go “gosh!”
Dylan Jones asked him about Ku Bar’s plans for the future, his minty fresh grin, and that nice wallpaper they’ve got.
Nieko! What’s your secret to keeping Ku Bar so fresh, modern and popular?
Our mission has always been to make sure people simply have a fabulous night in Soho; with the latest music and hottest boys around! We constantly work on new campaigns with our boys, as well as continuing re-investment into all venues – our customers are our priority, always, so we make sure Ku remains the place to be.
More importantly what’s your secret to that lovely white smile? It’s whiter than Shakira’s!
You make me blush! I’d say a champagne diet mostly! But I do LOVE going all out for our nights at Ku, with a crown one night and a cape another – Gaga is usually the inspiration, if anyone hadn’t guessed already!
The Ku Bar wallpaper is lovely. Do you have any more interior decorating plans? Another fish tank!
Oh we do! The summer will see the launch and start of our “Ku 20 Years” campaign – and with it some refreshing new looks across all venues. Expect edgy, artsy, and more slick than ever!
Where do you find your bar men? Because we’d like to go there.
Haha – now that location is a top secret! Well, above anything we look for great spirit, and a great smile! Our boys are the face, front-line and character of Ku, so they love keeping themselves in shape!
How many of them have restraining orders against Lady Lloyd?
They don’t issue them for her any more! I joke… kind of! I absolutely ADORE Lloyd’s style – she’s part of an incredible DJ team we have at Ku. From the glamour of Vicki Vivacious, to Latino hunk Rodrigo, and our hottest new addition DJ Charlie. They play every night on rotation – join them in their outrageousness!
We also enjoy your photo shoots, they’re mouthwatering!
I’m glad to hear it! We’ve gone for a very Versace edge this year (I’ve always thought myself as Donatella!). Working with celebrity photographer Joe McComick, we’ve created detailed “campaigns” instead of adverts – using the beautiful Ku boys. I love the result – I hope everyone does.
What’s been the best one over the years?
I would say our latest one. Each year has seen a different style – but our current is more edgy and daring than I’ve ever tried at Ku. It’s all about the boys being chic, stylish and vogueing!
What crazy shit do you have planned over Pride?
The Ku Boys are becoming GODS for the day! We’ve got THREE incredible parties! Ku Leicester Square extends its terrace into our Pride Garden Party, Ku Soho explodes with “dancing in the streets” – our gogo’s and dancers in the windows – and at KuKlub, we’re putting on a sizzling after-party with guest DJ Chris Brogan.
We’re asking everyone about their Pride Heroes…who’s yours?
I would say those in the public eye who passionately support LGBT rights – say Jennifer Hudson’s “I Still Love You” video, or James Franco’s passion for his gay roles. People idolize them, and listen to them – their voice make a noise like no other.
We hear a collaboration with CloneZone is in the works?
It’s very exciting! On Pride we’re joining forces with CloneZone in the parade (make sure you keep an eye out – we’ll be walking with Alex Minsky), as well as a clothing and marketing partnership afterwards – as CloneZone go international! Get ready for some very sexy offers, events and eye-candy!
If Ku Bar were a pop star, which pop star would she be and why?
Cher, Madonna and Gaga… spot the trend! We like to think ahead-of-the-game, as well as keeping our venues slightly crazy, fun and unlike any other!
Thanks Nieko. Right, that’s quite enough chat. Let’s have a gin & tonic.
• Ku Bar, 30 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA. 12pm – 3am Monday to Saturday, 12pm – 12am Sunday.
