The Alchemist to launch new concept and expand in London
As reported by BigHospitality’s sister site MCA, the group is set to debut a new bar brand which could become a second roll-out vehicle for the business.
The concept, called Aether, will take the company back to its original roots and focus solely on cocktails, with the menu changing regularly.
Live artists will feature weekly with a soundtrack of neo soul, jazz and hip hop.
The 13-strong group, founded in Manchester in 2010, will launch the new concept at Liverpool ONE in the former Tavern on the Green site in September.
“We’re an entrepreneurial team at heart and when the opportunity to do something a little different presented itself we wanted to take that challenge on,” Simon Potts, managing director of The Alchemist told MCA.
“We look forward to introducing the new concept later this year.”
London expansion
The Alchemist has also confirmed plans to open two new sites in the capital over the next year.
It comes after the company secured a £16m funding package from Santander in January.
The group is spending £1.6m on developing its first 72-cover Covent Garden bar and restaurant, which will open in November 2018.
A second site will open in Old Street in March 2019 following a £1.3m investment. The 4456 sq ft space will house 76 indoor covers and a feature a 28-cover outdoor space.
The Alchemist’s debut London site in Bevis Marks, which launched in 2014, is also set to close from 6 – 20 August this summer for a £280,000 revamp.
“London is obviously a competitive market - but following the success of Bevis Marks, we are confident we can offer a memorable and immersive experience for both residents and tourists to enjoy,” says Potts.
“Customers of our existing site will see a real difference in both our offering and design as we aim to elevate our venues with each launch, and these will be no different.”
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