Former Betty’s club reborn as KC’s Nightclub and Bar

There was dismay in Ipswich when popular nightclub Betty’s closed in the summer, after a decade as a venue for the town.

The venue has not been lost however, as it re-opens on Saturday October 12, after a major refurbishment, as KC’s Nightclub and Bar.

Betty’s in Elm Street was famous as an openly gay-friendly venue.

The new club owners say that times and society has changed.

They would welcome all clubbers, whatever their gender or sexual orientation.

Spokesman Tony Casey said: “We have kept a lot of Betty’s, including the majority of the staff.

“Or course we are going to be gay friendly. Society has changed and is much more open now than perhaps it was ten years ago. Ten years ago it was very differrent in society.”

Tony, who has run venues in his native Ireland and over in this country for many years, including in London, Derby. Stafford and Ipswich (McGintys), and his team have transformed the interior of the club with a smart red, silver and black colour scheme.

“I have been here since 1986 and worked all over the country.”

Tony, and business partner Martin Hoy, have spent several weeks getting it ready for the grand opening on Saturday

“We have worked very hard to get it done. The whole inside of the place has changed. It was ready for it.

“We have pretty much kept the same staff, and the DJs and doorman.”

KC’s would initially be open on Friday and Saturday nights with DJs and on Sunday would offer live music. Tony said. “There isn’t much else on offer in Ipswich on Sundays.”

On Sunday October 27, as part of Hallowe’en Weekend, the guest band would be Hurricane Alley.

On the first floor level there are two additional club areas, a chill out room with sofas and a VIP bar area, available for private bookings, with its own toilets.

The club, mainly at ground floor level, was also disabled friendly, added Tony.

“We are having a handicapped night once a month, on a Wednesday. We are the only club with space for more than 100 on the ground floor.”

Manager Zyanya Brooks said they would also be organising special themed nights.

On Saturday October 26 there was already planned a burlesque cabaret night with The Cheeky Devils Club.

“I love dressing up,” she said,

“We would love to see people in flamboyant outfits for our opening night.

“Our dress code is smart or flamboyant.”

Caseys is in Elm Street, Ipswich which is a busy in a busy entertainment area close to Ipswich Corn Exchange and Ipswich Film Theatre, Aqua 8. the Swan pub and No1 Bar Bistro and with the Cornhill nearby.