Shut down adult members club can reopen as bar

A new adult members' club which was closed down by council officials has been told it can reopen as a bar.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council issued a 56-day stop order on 28 February to the owner of Curious, in Barwell, near Hinckley, following complaints from residents.

The authority said it had investigated alleged unauthorised use of the former pub, in Chapel Street and, following discussion with the owner, said it would now operate on a membership-only basis within its existing permission for a bar business.

The club said would be opening its downstairs bar only from Friday night while it continued to have discussions with officials.

A spokesperson for the club told the BBC: "Curious will be reopening its doors following a temporary closure initiated by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council two weeks ago in relation to planning permission queries.

"We have worked closely and constructively with the council throughout this period, and we are pleased to confirm that we will resume operations as a members‑only safe space, open from 19:30 GMT to 23:00, in full accordance with our existing licence."

They continued: "Our focus has remained on cooperation, compliance, and ensuring that Curious continues to operate responsibly and respectfully within the village setting.

"We have implemented additional external measures to further reassure both the council and our neighbours.

"New CCTV coverage and continuous noise‑monitoring equipment have now been installed to guarantee that we are not a nuisance to the surrounding community.

"Curious exists to provide a safe, private, and well‑managed environment for its members. We remain dedicated to being a considerate presence in the village and to maintaining open communication with the council as we move forward."

The club's website describes it as "a safe, inclusive space for adults interested in swing, kink, and fetish lifestyles, where members are free to explore in a zero-judgement environment".

A council spokesperson said: "The council will continue to monitor noise from the premises and work with partners to address any concerns.

"The temporary stop notice will be kept live so that the council can take further action should the use exceed its existing permission as a bar open until 23:00."

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