Kel Richardson, who began her career as a door supervisor at a well-known Wallsend venue, now owns three businesses in the same building on the same street. Her ventures include Scarlett's, a six-night-a-week club; Piper's, a sports bar; and Izzy's, a hotel on the top floor.
From Doors to Ownership
Originally from the Lake District, Kel moved to Tyneside to work the doors at a spot on Wallsend High Street. She later became a manager and then owner of Manhattan's, which she rebranded as Scarlett's. The rebrand has been successful, broadening the club's appeal while maintaining its buzzing atmosphere.
Kel told ChronicleLive that she never imagined she would end up with three businesses on the street where she started. She admitted, "I feel like I'd been waiting 20 years to have my own club called Scarlett's!"
Overcoming Hospitality Challenges
Despite rising prices, utility hikes, and changing going-out habits, Kel wants to give Wallsend a High Street that makes residents feel they don't need to travel to town. She said, "When the opportunity came to have the second floor for Piper's and then the top level for the hotel, I did think to myself 'Do I risk it?' but at the end of the day, it's all I know."
She noted the unpredictability of nightlife: "There are some weeks when Tuesday and Wednesday turn out to be busier than Friday and Saturday. This week is a perfect example. On Wednesday I thought we were looking good for an early finish and then all of sudden loads of people seemed to come in from nowhere!"
A One-Woman Operation
Kel described herself as a "one man band" without brewery backing, saying, "I'm next to a Wetherspoons - it doesn't get much harder than that!" She pays for entertainment herself, including drag queens at Scarlett's and DJs and singers at Piper's.
She emphasized inclusivity: "It's gay friendly and there's no discrimination at all." Reflecting on her years on the doors, she said, "I've met some characters over the years, but everyone is human and what they're like on a night out tends to depend on what kind of day they've had."
Kel remains concerned about pub closures but is committed to her venues. She shared, "Recently someone came up to me and said I was an inspiration for business owners in the area - I've been called a lot of things before, but never that!"
