Cue Station has opened in Exmouth as a dedicated venue for snooker, pool, and darts, attracting nearly 250 members and multiple league teams within its first four weeks. Founder David Freer launched the club after a year of visiting established venues across the UK to build a professional-grade space for local cue sports.
Four weeks after opening its doors in a former fire station, Cue Station has rapidly transformed Exmouth’s local competitive sports scene, uk.news.yahoo.com reported. Founder David Freer set out to create a dedicated environment for serious players of snooker, pool, and darts rather than squeezing tables into a pub corner. Despite having no prior experience running a club, Freer’s venture has already drawn nearly 250 members, surpassing his initial goal of 200 members by the end of September.
Exmouth Fire Station Transforms into Cue Sports Hub
The former fire station now hosts three first division pool teams, one first division darts team, and two snooker teams playing out of the club. According to Freer, the influx of new teams has pushed local snooker league participation to its highest level in ten years. The facility regularly hosts league matches and interleague pool fixtures, welcoming visiting players from across the region.
“We’ve only been open four weeks today, and yet we’ve achieved so much in those four weeks,” Freer said. “It feels like we’ve been open nine months.” Membership figures have climbed just shy of 250, exceeding the pre-opening target.
Rasson Tables and Strict Maintenance Define the Club
Twelve months prior to opening, Freer toured top-tier snooker, pool, and darts clubs across the United Kingdom to research facility design and equipment. Rejecting advice from established venues to purchase cheaper pub tables, he insisted on installing professional-grade Rasson pool tables to ensure local players had access to top-tier equipment.
That attention to detail extends to daily upkeep. Staff members brush, block, and cover every table immediately after use to protect the cloth. Snooker tables are prepared and set up ten minutes before players arrive.
“Three of those clubs said to me, ‘Do not buy Rasson pool tables, just use cheaper pub tables. That’s all you need,'” Freer said. “I was quite adamant. I wanted the people in Exmouth to play on the best tables.”
Other UK Clubs Seek Guidance on Cue Station Layout
The venue’s rapid success has inverted Freer’s role from a newcomer seeking advice to a consulted authority. Representatives from other established snooker clubs have visited Cue Station to inspect the lighting, lockers, tables, balls, and cues.
“All of a sudden, from the man who knew nothing about running a snooker club last year, I’m now becoming a source of knowledge for other clubs coming to me and asking, ‘How have you done that? Why are you doing it this way? Do you mind if we copy you?'” Freer said. “That in itself is a huge compliment.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Cue Station
Who founded Cue Station in Exmouth?
David Freer founded Cue Station after spending a year visiting major snooker, pool, and darts venues across the UK to research club management.
What competitive teams currently play at the club?
The venue is home to three first division pool teams, one first division darts team, and two snooker teams.
Do visitors need to be members to play at Cue Station?
Away players participating in league matches do not need to be members to access the club and play on the tables.
What specific brand of pool tables did the club install?
Freer installed professional-grade Rasson pool tables, rejecting recommendations from other venue operators to purchase cheaper pub alternatives.