Bosses at popular bar fear people in planned flats next door might complain - leaving them in ‘Night and Day Cafe’ situation
Reporter: George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter
Date published: 30 January 2024
Owners of Hoochi Koochi in Rochdale, John McFarland (left) and Jon Riley inside their bar. Image courtesy of Hoochi Koochi
Bosses at a hugely popular bar say they’re worried people living in flats planned next door might complaint - leaving them in a situation similar to Night and Day Cafe in Manchester city centre.
Jon Riley, owner of Hoochi Koochi off South Parade in Rochdale - a bar popular with many Oldhamers - says his live music venue could face the same issues as the popular Northern Quarter bar if plans for three flats get the nod from Rochdale council.
Hoochi Koochi is next to the old Pacific Bar nightclub.
Developers have plans for a new takeaway at the site, with three flats above.
Jon says he has no issue with the takeaway proposals, but believes that if people move into the apartments above, noise complaints could follow.
He says it could leave him in a situation like Night and Day Cafe in Manchester.
The well-known city centre bar is back in court this week as the row over noise levels rumbles on - more than two years after a noise abatement notice was issued by Manchester council.
“We don’t want to be in the same situation as the Night and Day Cafe,” Jon said.
“If this has happened to them it is frightening to think that it could become the norm nationally.
“We don’t want the same thing to happen to us.
"We don’t want to be in the same situation as we don’t have the same reputation as them.
“Night and Day Cafe has been going for decades.
"We’ve only been in business for a few years, but we are going from strength to strength.”
Jon has run the late-night bar for more than three years with his father-in-law John McFarland.
Plans for the takeaway and flats have not yet been decided on by the council.
Some 50 objections have already been raised.
Jon says his building used to be connected to the neighbouring site, until doorways were bricked up.
“Soundproofing that old building will be like opening up a can of worms,” he added.
“We are extremely well-liked by the community as we are one of the only alternative venues in Rochdale.
“We welcome anyone into our bar.
"We are very diverse with our clientele.
"It is brilliant getting those messages of support from the regulars.”
Hundreds have signed a petition supporting Jon’s position.
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