‘Grab a glass of wine and enjoy yourself’ - Northampton's new ‘fun and relaxed’ choir based in a pub

A singing teacher who wants to put fun back into choirs has set up a group called ‘Choir In A Pub’.

The group meets every week in The Old White Hart pub in Cotton End, Northampton to have a drink, a chat and to sing non-traditional choir songs.

Nicki Rodgers, the woman behind the unique choir group, was in a girl band and was also a solo artist before becoming a singing teacher 12 years ago.

The 41-year-old has now turned her attention to creating ‘Choir In A Pub’ groups so that people can just turn up and enjoy singing.

Nicki said: “It all started when I set up a women’s choir in Milton Keynes. We met in a pub and that turned into a really good night out.

“The group has grown and grown and I had people emailing from Northampton saying can you do something like that here.

“It’s all about being together and having fun and it just turned into a choir in a pub.”

Nicki has been running the Milton Keynes group since 2015, but only started the new group in Northampton at the start of 2020.

Nicki added: “I really want the Northampton one to be more clear about itself.

“I call it ‘Choir In A Pub’ because it does what it says on the tin and this one is for men and women.

“People are not coming in thinking ‘I have to take this seriously’, they’re just actually enjoying singing.

“People come for all different reasons, it’s not just about singing.

“Singing for just 15 minutes a day can help improve your immune system. And people come for mental health reasons and to build friendships.”

Since the choir started in January, the group has gained a lot of interest and Nicki says she gets around 35 regulars each week, which she believes is down to the different experience she offers.

“It’s all about the perception. If you go into a village hall for a choir there is something uninviting about it,” Nicki added.

“You think ‘this is official’ but when you walk into a pub it’s actually luxury time. It’s the perception that you’re going for fun and to relax.

“There are nerves around choirs and singing. People are scared it’s going to be intimidating but it’s actually uplifting.

“If you dare to get to the pub and dare to get a drink you will never worry about it again because it’s so friendly and I’m there to make sure it is.

“It’s not about drinking loads, it’s really about enjoying a glass of wine and doing something that is for you. There’s nothing better than singing in a group.”

So far the group has learnt songs such as 'Mustang Sally,' 'Ain't Nobody' by Chaka Khan and a country hit called 'My Church.' Next week the group will take on a Muse song.

As Nicki gets to know the people who come to the sessions, she hopes to learn what they love so she can pick specific songs.

Chris D’alessio, owner of The Old White Hart, added: “It started in The White Hart in January and it has been so popular. I really wasn’t expecting it to be as popular as it is.

“It’s just so different to choirs in churches and it just has a great vibe.

“We instantly just had this huge rush of interest.”

The sessions are held every Wednesday from 7.45pm until 9.15pm at The Old White Hart in Cotton End, Northampton.

Nicki says most people turn up a bit earlier to get a drink and have a chat before singing starts.

Each session costs £6.50 and the first one is free.