Country and Western bar to open in Barley Mow passage

Image: A pop-up event by Lil Nashville

“Bringing the Nashville vibe on the road”

Chiswick might soon be home to a Country and Western themed bar and restaurant, as ‘Lil Nashville’ seeks a licence for a vacant premises on Barley Mow Passage. The company, known for organising popular pop-up events, plans to transform the former Sam’s Brasserie into a vibrant venue featuring live music and dancing.

Lil Nashville aims to replicate the distinctive ambience of Nashville’s honky-tonk bars at 11 Barley Mow Passage, a 4,038 sq ft unit advertised at an annual rent of £96,000. The premises, vacant since January 2023, was previously occupied by Betty’s wine bar, and the new venture’s hours of operation will be similar to those of its predecessor.

In their application, Lil Nashville expressed confidence that their unique concept and focus on music and food would attract a welcoming clientele without raising concerns. They said:

“Given the unique theme of the premises which is proposed and the type of clientele it will seek to attract, with a strong emphasis on music and food, we hope that there will be no cause for any representations to be lodged.”

If approved, the licence would permit live music until 11.15pm from Monday to Thursday, extending to 12.15am on Friday and Saturday nights, and ending at 10.45pm on Sunday. The venue would close 15 minutes after the music stops each night.

Image: Blue Collar, playing at one of Lil Nashville’s events on 13 September

Lil Nashville’s pop-up events, including an upcoming one at Dingwall’s in Camden, offer a glimpse of what Chiswick can expect. These events feature back-to-back live country covers, line dancing, Southern BBQ, and a DJ, showcasing acts from the burgeoning British country music scene.

The company, founded by Helen, Rob, and Jeremy, aims to create a welcoming space for country music fans old and new. On their website, they state:

“With our love and knowledge of country music, we have a genuine desire to replicate the unique ambience of Nashville’s honky-tonk bars right here in the UK. As an up-and-coming genre here in the UK, country music has seen a huge boost in popularity, which is why we want to create a space for old and new country music fans to feel welcome.

“As we wait for our perfect fixed venue to launch our bar and restaurant, in the meantime we will be bringing the Nashville vibe on the road with our pop-up events.”