First Coyote Ugly bar to open in the UK

The chain of Western-themed bars that inspired the 2000 hit film Coyote Ugly is to open its first venue in the UK, expanding its international footprint further outside of the US.

Scenes from the 2000 film Coyote Ugly

The first UK Coyote Ugly bar will open in March in Cardiff and will be owned and operated by Steve Lewis, who also owns and operates two other bars – Jack Murphy’s and The Adelphi – in Swansea.

Founded in 1993 in New York City’s East Village, Coyote Ugly currently has 21 locations across four countries including the US, Russia, Ukraine and Germany. Its first foray in the UK marks the start of its plans for “aggressive franchise expansion” in non-US countries, with the company also setting its sights on Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and South Africa.

“We couldn’t be more excited about exporting our version of honky-tonk to the United Kingdom and could not have found a better team with whom to partner as we enter the market,” said Coyote Ugly founder Liliana “Lil” Lovell.

As depicted in the 2000 film of the same name starring Tyra Banks and John Goodman, Coyote Ugly bars are known for their rowdy nature and western-themed style, with female bartenders, known as “Coyotes”, regularly dancing choreographed routines on the bar top. The chain operates a strict “no “frou frou” shaken or stirred concoctions when it comes to drinks, with any serve that requires a blender or more than two ingredients to make barred.

The Coyote Ugly bar in Russia