Two of Felixstowe’s most colourful venues
Down by Mannings Amusements, right next to Felixstowe’s famous fountain, you will find two of the town’s most colourful and distinctive venues: Loca Bar & Restaurant and La Vida Showbar.
Owned and run by Felixstowe-born entrepreneur Leon Richer and his partner Daniel Wardle, these venues have brought something genuinely different to the town.
Recently, This Is Felixstowe was invited behind the scenes to discover the story behind the business, the people who created it, and their vision for the future.
From Lanzarote to Felixstowe
The story begins with Leon, who grew up in Felixstowe before spending seven and a half years performing in showbars across the Canary Islands after his time in musical theatre.
In 2017, while visiting friends in Lanzarote, Leon met Daniel, who was visiting from Manchester. A chance meeting eventually became a partnership, and Daniel later moved to Felixstowe.
Creating the dream of La Vida
During the Covid period in 2020, the idea for La Vida began to take shape.
Leon had always dreamed of creating his own showbar in Felixstowe — somewhere that could bring a new style of entertainment to the town.
At the time, Leon was working at a local hotel as Events Manager, and Daniel was also working in the same local hotel.
When the opportunity came to take on the nightclub above Mannings, they decided to turn that dream into reality.
With the help of a government business loan, a huge amount of hard work and plenty of determination, La Vida Showbar was born.
“La Vida means life in Spanish,” Leon explained, reflecting his years spent working and performing overseas.
From La Vida to Loca
The success of La Vida led to the next chapter.
In 2024, Leon and Daniel took on the former Sands restaurant below the showbar.
It was a major renovation project, transforming the venue completely, including improvements to accessibility and creating the stylish restaurant space that is now Loca Bar & Restaurant, which opened in 2025.
My Visit
I arrived at Loca to meet Leon and Daniel and was immediately struck by the transformation.
The restaurant is now a bright, welcoming and stylish space overlooking the seafront, with the big wheel opposite and Mannings right next door.
From the moment I arrived, the warm welcome was obvious. A member of staff showed me to a window seat while I waited and returned with a cup of tea — a small gesture, but one that perfectly reflected the friendly atmosphere they have created.
After chatting with Leon and Daniel, I was given a tour of both venues.
Behind the scenes at La Vida
Upstairs, La Vida Showbar immediately feels like somewhere designed for entertainment.
The bar leads through to the dance floor and seating area, all focused towards the stage that was part of Leon’s original vision.
The colourful décor, huge neon sign, pink leather seating and themed areas provide plenty of opportunities for photographs, and it is easy to see why so many visitors share their experiences online.
I was then given a look behind the scenes at the dressing rooms and performer facilities.
The world behind the performances
Wigs, costumes and props fill the space, but everything is colourful, organised and clearly designed with performers in mind.
The walls and dressing tables are covered with signed photographs and messages from performers who have appeared at La Vida.
I could name drop here but best if you study the photographs above!
Leon and Daniel explained that making performers feel welcome and looked after has always been important to them — something that has helped the venue build a strong reputation within the entertainment industry.
A business investing in Felixstowe
The tour finished with a view from the balcony overlooking Beach Street and the seafront.
Behind the colourful décor, packed show nights and busy restaurant is a business that now employs more than 20 people — a significant investment in Felixstowe and the local economy.
Both venues are available for private hire and have already hosted a wide range of events, from celebrations and presentations to dance classes and even wakes, offering people a unique setting for memorable occasions.
Looking to the future
There have also been opportunities for expansion in the future, with ideas including bringing the La Vida concept to other locations.
However, Leon and Daniel are clear that any future plans will not come at the expense of the Felixstowe venues they have worked so hard to create.
One of the most memorable moments for the team was the visit of UK Drag Race queen Baga Chipz, who was originally booked for a one-hour appearance but enjoyed herself so much that she stayed on stage for almost two and a half hours, creating a night that people talked about for months afterwards.
The fact that performers and visitors from much further afield are now discovering La Vida is something Leon and Daniel are incredibly proud of.
A story of ambition and commitment
Loca Bar & Restaurant and La Vida Showbar are a great example of what can happen when people have a vision, take a chance and invest in their hometown.
From a chance meeting in Lanzarote to creating two successful Felixstowe venues, Leon and Daniel’s story is one of ambition, creativity and commitment to the town they now call home.
Visit Loca Bar & Restaurant & La Vida Showbar
Loca Bar & Restaurant
Manning Amusement Park, Sea Road
Felixstowe, Suffolk
United Kingdom, IP112DN
Join the conversation on Facebook
This spotlight was originally shared on the This Is Felixstowe Facebook page, where local residents shared their thoughts, comments and experiences of Loca Bar & Restaurant and La Vida Showbar.