Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk Pub

News for Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk:

• 13th October 2025

  A Sheffield city centre bar known for its country music theme is facing resistance to plans that would see it stay open into the early hours every day of the week.
  
  Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk, on Devonshire Street near Devonshire Green, has applied for permission to serve alcohol until 3am and remain open until 3:30am, seven days a week. The venue currently closes at 1:30am, with permission to extend to 3am only on certain bank holiday weekends.
  
  The proposal has prompted objections from multiple parties, including city centre residents' group Changing Sheff, Sheffield City Council's planning service and noise prevention team, and six individual residents.
  
  Changing Sheff argue that extending Cactus Jack's opening hours would likely lead to increased disturbance for nearby residents. In their submission, the group said:
  
  "Based on experiences of people living nearby, permitting longer opening times is highly likely to have an adverse effect on the licensing objective 'the prevention of public nuisance'."
  
  Residents of the nearby West One apartment complex have complained that noise regularly escapes from the bar, alleging that management often fails to keep both sets of entrance doors closed. The council's environmental protection service echoed these concerns, saying that Cactus Jack's representatives admitted at a meeting that doors are "routinely left open to encourage customers to come in," despite the entrance being designed to contain noise.
  
  Further complaints relate to the venue's outdoor area, which is only permitted for use until 7pm. Changing Sheff claim that this restriction is often ignored.
  
  "There is room for the night-time economy to prosper but it must be under conditions that don't disturb the neighbours," the group said. "Such conditions have been placed on these premises but the management has decided it will not abide by them."
  
  The council's planning department also raised objections, noting that Cactus Jack's is located next to the designated "city centre night-time quiet zone" at Devonshire Green, where venues are limited to a 12:30am closing time.
  
  The application, submitted by licence holders Albany Construction (Yorkshire) Ltd, will be reviewed by Sheffield City Council's licensing sub-committee on 14th October. The hearing, to be held at the town hall, will allow objectors to present their case in person.

• 3rd November 2024

  Sheffield has a new nightlife gem: Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk, the latest bar and live music venue to open in the vibrant Devonshire Quarter. Located at the intersection of Fitzwilliam Street and Devonshire Street, Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk offers a fresh take on nightlife with its Americana-inspired decor, live country music, and immersive Nashville atmosphere.
  
  Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk is the brainchild of Paul McIvor, the name behind the popular Cactus Jack's Tex Mex restaurant in Doncaster. McIvor has a proven eye for capturing the essence of American culture, and he has completely revamped the space to bring a taste of Nashville to the heart of Sheffield. McIvor said, "We are completely transforming the place. We've ripped out what was in there and put in themed furniture like barrels, and even themed light fittings,"” highlighting the meticulous effort that has gone into creating a unique space.
  
  The decor includes rustic furniture and classic American fixtures, with eye-catching barrels and vintage-inspired light fittings that help transport patrons straight to a Southern honky-tonk. Staff members will be dressed in cowboy hats, adding to the immersive experience that promises guests a true taste of Americana.
  
  Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk isn't just about the look; it's a celebration of country music, both old and new. The venue has a rotating lineup of DJs and live bands dedicated to the sounds of country and western music. From modern hits by stars like Taylor Swift to timeless classics by legends such as Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, the music selection ensures that both contemporary country fans and traditionalists will find something to love. The aim is to make every night feel like a lively Nashville night out, complete with all the charm and energy that define the genre.
  
  The building that houses Cactus Jack's Honky Tonk has a rich history in Sheffield's nightlife scene, despite its relatively recent construction in 2008. Originally built to replace an older structure, it has since been home to a string of popular bars, each with its own unique character. Over the past decade, it has operated under various identities, from the lively Coco Lounge Bar - known for its large dance floor, private karaoke room, and late-night hours - to the trendy cocktail bars Zinc and Be At One.
  
  Cactus Jack's marks a departure from the cocktail and karaoke-centric past of its predecessors, offering something new and distinct for the area: a venue dedicated to live music, dancing, and an authentic honky-tonk experience. With its Americana flair, the bar is likely to appeal to a wide range of patrons looking for a unique night out.