In the third of our new feature, reporter Grace Walton popped to a local music bar to speak with the landlord and a few customers.

Paradiddles, which has been a well-known music hub located in Sidbury for the past two years, was opened by married couple Kit and Rachel-Hale-Patrick in December 2017. It’s the couple’s first pub venture - and it has got off to a great start, as the bar appears to be a popular hotspot in the community.

Rachel said: “We wanted to start this for the music. It sounds cheesy, but music has always been a big part of my life and who I am. In Worcester growing up there were quite a few music venues, but slowly there’s been less and less. Now, especially young bands, they find it hard for somewhere to play. So that’s what we try and do – create a space for people to showcase their own music.

“We have got a lot of regulars and they’re all absolutely lovely. Since we’ve been here, we’ve met a ton of friends. The lovely thing about it is that they all meet each other, and you can see all these friendships developing.”

The bar’s name was inspired by Rachel’s drumming background.

She added: “It took us ages to think of a name. We wanted something to do with music, but also wanted something to do with communication. I’m a drummer – and a paradiddle is a drum pattern. It’s a musical communication tool which originated in the military.”

As the name suggests, the theme is based around music - even the artwork is musical based and has been produced by local artists.

It was interesting to discover how local bands have started off at Paradiddles and have used the music bar as a platform to make a name for themselves.

There’s a vast amount on offer at the city bar. The venue provides something for everyone which is the lovely thing about it – it’s very welcoming. The café serves pizza, paninis and also sweet treats, which are made by Rachel’s twin sister, Beth Goode-Patrick. The food is all made from scratch, and while most of it is vegan, there are also options for the omnivores out there.

The pair are hoping to introduce a breakfast menu in the upcoming months.

Rachel said: “All our cakes are vegan – they are just as delicious, and you wouldn’t know. They are a lot healthier as well. We want to give people options but also show people that you can have really yummy food as well.”

Kit said: “It’s the way that people communicate in here when they come in. As soon as people come through the doors everyone is really open and friendly.

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“The one thing that we try to be consistent about is providing a space for artists to perform their original work. What we try and do is develop people’s musical career and give them a space to do it.”

There’s a rehearsal room, stage, garden, bar, café and library area.

The couple have hired four part-time staff.

“It’s really important to us to have the right people working for us. They love working here – they are really invested here, and it shows that they want to be here and the place to do well. We’re like a little family,” Rachel added.

I spoke to a few of the regular folk who go to the music bar. Chris Orr, his wife Alyson and their five month old daughter Aoife were sat in a booth with their dog Joe.

Chris said: “It’s dog friendly and baby friendly here. They have really nice coffee, cake and amazing pizza. Literally the dog runs here and drags us here – it’s his favourite place.

“We have come here most weekends since they opened.”

Alyson added: “Ultimately it’s the atmosphere here. It is always friendly and relaxed, and they have got to know us here. We go on Facebook and see what cakes they have on offer and sometimes make a special trip down here just to try them out.

“This was Aoife’s first place she went to when she was born.”

Pasquale Abate said: “Since Paradiddles opened I have been coming here. It provides a cultural hotspot for the city which was very muchly needed.

“I started coming here because of the welcoming vibe it has. It offers a cultural outlet for artists to come and perform.”