Strip membership reverse church is open for Cheltenham punters however locals are fuming
With Cheltenham Festival around the corner, the regency spa town gears up to welcome several punters travelling down following the world-class sporting event, with a strip club hoping to attract some
A lap dancing club will open in Cheltenham next week hoping to attract a few new punters.
With Cheltenham Festival less than two weeks away, all eyes are turning to the town – and punters will be looking for somewhere to head after a day of world-class racing. The spa town, which has hosted the famous race for over 100 years, becomes a hub for drinking and celebrating following a long day of betting for most revellers.
One particular area of interest stands at Jessop House, located opposite Cambray Baptist Church. There, adult entertainment company Eroticats takes over the venue and provide stripping fun for a few keen customers.
The opening of the club is perhaps not the most welcome by locals. Eroticats – an event run by Red Apple Associates – brings strippers down to their venue in Cheltenham town centre.
On their website, Eroticat describe themselves “the home of lap dancing in Cheltenham”, and added that their “unforgettable strippers” know how to “make your night in Cheltenham more exciting.”
Speaking to the Daily Star, adult star Emily Blake, who performs in the club, says she “sees no issue,” with the venue being opened directly opposite a church.
A spokesperson for Safe Cheltenham raised concerns about such clubs opening. They referenced “touching between performers and customers.”
Emily Blake added that she didn’t experience any touching during the nights she worked, and most people “sat on their hands.”
The club itself is secretive, with pictures inside the venue off limits. From outside, the venue is non-descript and is located directly opposite a church.
A trustee of Cambray Baptist Church, which is opposite Eroticats, objected to the council’s decision to approve the venue being opposite a place of worship.
“Once again we find ourselves seeking to run activities for children, youth and families when opposite us we have an activity which is wholly inappropriate for these events and makes the area appear to be a no-go area for families in the evening,” they said.
Applicant Steve Burrows’ legal representative told a committee during the venue application: “We recognise in Cheltenham that there is a balance and that some people may want to go into their churches and pray,” he said.
“And other people may want to go into their venues and close their doors and dance and entertain themselves and that is perfectly legitimate.”
The license was accepted yet again for 2025, as it has been for previous years. Many locations in town offer post-racing entertainment, but this strip club remains unique.
The Daily Star have reached out to both Cambray Baptist Church and Eroticats for comment.
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