A NEW café hoping to become a huge part of the local music community has opened in the city.

Paradiddles in Sidbury, owned and run by Kit and Rachel Hale-Patrick, will provide an 85-capacity venue for bands and musicians, as well as a practice space and a place for the local community to meet up, eat and drink.

“We just wanted to open somewhere that local musicians can go in the day but also somewhere they can practice and be part of a community,” said Mrs Hale-Patrick.

“Hopefully they can meet up and begin to formulate ideas in the café, maybe then go onto practice out the back before making the step up and playing here. That’s the hope.”

The couple, who live in Malvern, always spoke of running a venue and have worked hard for 18 months to bring that dream into fruition.

“It was a now or never kind of thing. When I thought we have just got go and do it, I left my job,” added Mrs Hale-Patrick, who quit teaching at St Richard’s in Evesham to work full time at the cafe.

The grade II-listed building was left empty for many years which meant opening the venue required a major refurbishment.

They worked closely with Worcester City Council to ensure the space would be fully sound-proofed so they could obtain the relevant licences.

“We just want to build a good, solid community and make a space that people can use.

“There are loads of bands and promoters in Worcestershire and the area has such a rich history. “We’re never going to run out of people that want to play or people that want to watch.

“It’s important to us that local artists feel welcome.”

The husband and wife team behind Paradiddles also want to emphasise the café is open to under 18s.

“We do sell alcohol but it’s by no means a bar,” added Mr Hale-Patrick.

“We want to encourage younger people to come here and play music as much as we can.”

“The first few weeks have been great. We’re putting bands on steadily and hope to put more on as we become more established,” added Mrs Hale-Patrick.

“We just planned on putting on a few bands for the opening but the reception was so great we decided to do it again the week after.

“The space isn’t just for music though, we want to use it for different things. We’ve got a quiz coming up, artists can display their work, spoken word and poetry is huge so we’re hoping to showcase that.”

The kitchen is nearly completed and will soon be serving a heavily vegan menu all day. Pizza will be served in the evenings.

For more information visit paradiddlesbar.co.uk