Karaoke renditions of Simply The Best are simply the pits according to neighbours of a Coventry pub.
And boozy versions of Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York are a helluva din.
Now the Black Horse pub’s music nights may be facing the final curtain after residents’ complaints about the awful singing.
Every weekend the Spon End pub holds karaoke sessions, but after more than 30 complaints in two years, the music licence may, like Elvis, be leaving the building for good.
Katrina Ricketts has been in charge of the pub for less than two years and has had several complaints from residents in nearby Rushmoor Drive.
They have included people urinating and defecating against the building and in a shared entry, and for unbearable karaoke.
One complainant described living opposite the pub as a “nightmare”.
She said: “Every weekend they have what they call entertainment, which basically consists of karaoke sung very badly and very loudly.
“We are unable to have our windows open if it’s warm or enjoy our garden without hearing ‘Simply the Best’ being slaughtered by a wailing drunk female.”
Another Rushmoor Drive resident said: “I have lived close to the pub for 35 years and until about five years ago I had no major problems.
“After a day at work it would be nice to sit in my garden on a sunny day and relax, which is not possible unless you like to hear drunken, out of tune, renditions of ‘Simply the Best’ or ‘New York, New York’.”
Mrs Ricketts, says the majority of complaints received since 2008 were before she was in charge of the pub but she has taken measures to limit noise levels.
She said: “There are several members of the neighbourhood who use the pub regularly and they have informed me there is not an issue with noise.
"These people (the complainants) are pedantic by nature.”
A petition with 177 signatures from regulars has been handed to the council in support of retaining the music licence.
One customer said: “I have been drinking in the Black Horse for a long time and in all the years, I cannot recall any trouble happening.
"It is a brilliant pub with many older regulars who return over and over again, and enjoy the entertainment. If it was unbearable I’m sure they wouldn’t keep coming back.”
“I live near the Butts Retreat and sometimes hear music but it’s not a bother. People living near a pub have got to expect some kind of noise.”
Officers from the city council’s environmental protection department have issued several warning letters and notices. Advice has also been given on reducing noise.
Senior officer, Neil Chaplin, said that during a visit in July loud music from the pub was considered to be “sufficiently intrusive”.
He added: “The evidence clearly shows the operation and management of this premises has fallen below the required standards.
"It is therefore felt necessary and proportionate to request a review of the licence.
The council’s licensing committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the pub’s music licence.
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 1:43 pm