In the heart of South Wigston, a once-derelict bingo hall has been reborn—not just as a pool club, but as a vibrant community hub where sport, friendship, and spicy food come together under one roof.
The Cue Club, which opened its doors in October 2023, is the brainchild of three life-long friends and talented pool enthusiasts: Reece Townsend, Joe O’Connor, and Steve Shaw.
It started, as most great ideas do, with passion—and a little bit of risk.
Picture credit: Pukaar News (Steve Shaw, Joe O’Connor and Reece Townsend)
Reece Townsend, the manager of The Cue Club, grew up in Eyres Monsell, near Leicester’s Pork Pie Library. He’s been obsessed with pool since the age of six or seven, when weekend pub trips with his parents always led him to the table. By ten, he was playing seriously. As a junior, Reece represented England, later captaining national tournaments and running competitions across the city.
“I was writing wills from 11 to 7 every day,” he recalls. “I just thought—this isn’t for me. I needed to follow my passion. So me, Joe, and Steve sat down, came up with a plan, and here we are.”
The venue they chose was no ordinary unit. Originally a bingo hall called ‘Top Ten Bingo’, the building, on Blaby Road, has since been a cinema, a wedding venue, and then stood empty for nearly a decade.
“The moment I walked in, I knew it was special,” Reece says. “There isn’t another pool club in the UK with this much character.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Today, The Cue Club is more than just a pool hall. With dart boards, poker nights, skittles, and a fully functioning Indian restaurant, it’s become a destination where the Leicester community can unwind, compete, and connect.
Joe O’Connor isn’t just one of the club’s co-founders—he’s also a world champion. Born and raised in Wigston, Joe started with football but soon switched his focus to cue sports, joining the county pool team where he met Reece. In 2012, Joe was crowned both World and European Junior Pool Champion, later transitioning to professional snooker, where he currently ranks 28th in the world.
“The love of sport—it’s either in you or it’s not,” Joe says. “I think me and Reece probably have it a little more than Steve, but Steve’s got the business brain. It works well.”
Now, Joe balances his pro snooker career with life at the Cue Club. He believes now is the perfect time for young people to take chances. “If you’ve got a dream—go for it while you’re young. If it doesn’t work, fail young. You can always try again,” he says.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
At 53, Steve Shaw brings experience—and a touch of fatherly wisdom—to the team. Raised in Cosby, he first picked up a pool cue at seven in the local working men’s club. He’s been playing, captaining, or coaching ever since, including a nine-year stint managing England’s national team. Currently, he plays for the England seniors.
“I’m just a normal Leicestershire lad,” he tells Pukaar. “But I’m proud of what I’ve done for the pool community.”
For Steve, The Cue Club is about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. “This isn’t just an Indian restaurant. It’s an entertainment centre. We want families here. We want people smiling. That’s what it’s about.”
A former DJ, Steve knows how to put on a show—and how important the personal touch is. “People don’t just walk in. You’ve got to make them walk in. That starts with a smile and making sure your business is worth coming to,” he says.
The Indian restaurant, tucked inside the club, has gained a healthy following since opening 12 months ago. Steve says the team spent heavily renovating the space—gutting it entirely—and found two talented chefs to lead the kitchen. “There were a lot of Chinese takeaways nearby, but not much Indian food. So we saw a gap and took it,” he says.
Picture: The Cue Club’s Head Chef Surinder Rura
The Cue Club runs events and promotions seven days a week. From amateur tournaments to curry nights and sports screenings, the team is always working hard to draw people in.
“We’re not a big company,” says Reece. “It’s just us three. But we believe in it, and we give it 100 percent.”
Whether you’re a pool shark, a curry lover, or just looking for a new spot to watch the football, The Cue Club offers something different—run by people who truly care.
As Joe puts it: “Leicester’s a multicultural place. It welcomes everybody. That’s what we’ve built here, too.”
