The countdown is on as Ku Bar Lisle Street waits in eager anticipation to celebrate its 2,000,000th customer. The lucky person will win a luxury weekend in Barcelona. Will it be you? Patrick Cash spoke to Ku founder Gary Henshaw…
We hear you’re coming up to Ku’s 2,000,000th customer! Is this over the entire history of Ku or specifically your Lisle Street venue?
The 2,000,000 customer is specific to Ku Leicester Square. We’ve been keeping track of how many transactions we have made since Ku moved from Charing Cross Road to Lisle St. The first transaction was on Valentine’s Day, February 2007. Every round is counted as a transaction, and it’s the two millionth that’s due this week.
How did you miss the 1,000,000th customer!
I can’t believe we missed the 1,000,000th customer, unfortunately it flew past! I was adamant not to miss the 2,000,000th so we have been keeping a very close eye on it, you should see the tally chart in the office…
Why do you think customers are so loyal and appreciative of the Ku Bar brand that you’ve built up two million visits to the bar?
Ku has managed to remain an independent gay run and owned brand employing gay staff to make sure the customers feel relaxed and comfortable. Yes, the Ku Bar boys are gorgeous but when I interview them (and I always interview them!), I look for friendliness and a smile: Ku is an attitude-free bar. It helps though that they are hot and willing to show their great bodies to give the customers a bit of extra eye candy when ordering a drink. I also pride Ku on outstanding customer service, we’ll always make sure the customers leave with a smile on their face and want to come back…That’s why we are still here.
And so, tell us about the big celebrations you’ve got planned. Is a big flashing light and a siren going to go off when the computer system hits 2,000,000? Will a drag queen jump out of a cake and start dancing along the bar?
Now that would giving everything away, let’s just say the customers will know when they’ve hit the 2,000,000th! Fingers are crossed that it’s early evening Friday…Just Before we make Ku a Free Bar for an hour. Yes, the Bar Boys will be serving drinks free of charge from 7pm-8pm this Friday 8th November.
What does the 2,000,000th customer win?
Well, I love Barcelona and we have just teamed up with ES clothing who are Barcelona based… So we are flying the winner and a friend to Barcelona for a luxury weekend. The prize will include flights and a stay in a posh hotel, plus a spending spree at the ES store in Barcelona.
When do you think this serve will hit? How can you be sure?
There’s no way of predicted the exact date and time it will hit, let’s just say I would make sure to be around Thursday night / Friday early evening… What’s amazing is that we have no control of the till’s counting system and are just working on averages to “hope” it happens this Friday.
A little bird also tell us that the Ku Bar boys are going to be wearing some dishy new outfits too, tell us a little about what they’ll look like and the inspiration behind the new look…
We have paired up with the sexy Spanish Brand ES, who have kindly designed our new vests for the boys. They are black vests with a sexy white trim… Don’t worry they won’t be on past 9pm on the Weekends! We hope to have Ku Branded ES Shirts for sale soon.
And finally, what do you have to say to all those people who have been coming to Ku over the years?
I’d like to personally thank everyone for their continued support, as without the customers there would be no Ku! It’s been a great journey and I am very proud of how far Ku has come and what the future holds. What I’m most proud of is the Ku appeals to all ages, that it’s somewhere everyone feels welcome and of course the boys… It’s a cliché, I know, but there really is a Ku family.
ARE YOU ONE IN 2 MILLION?
Will you be Ku Bar Lisle Street’s 2,000,000th customer? Every time you buy a drink, your receipt will show your customer number (see left) – if you’re the lucky winner, pack your bags as you’re off to Barcelona!
• Ku Bar Lisle Street is at 30 Lisle Street, WC2.
