A New Bar for the Great Western Arcade

Charter Brands, best-known for creating Langley’s No. 8 Gin, has announced its first permanent venture into the world of hospitality. The spirits specialist has chosen Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade as the home of its new bar, which will open later this year.

Due to open this autumn, the bar will sit at the heart of the arcade, offering a selection of premium spirits, wines and beers. Taking over units 32-33, their newly-formed retail division has acquired just over 1,700 square feet of space, including the ground floor bar area and an upstairs events space.

Mark Dawkins, Director at Charter Brands, said:

“We have worked hard to build the Langley’s brand over the past few years and we’ve seen the city of Birmingham take real pride and ownership in it, so it makes absolute sense that our first permanent bar be situated in the heart of the city centre. Langley’s No. 8, which is distilled in Oldbury, is stocked in bars and restaurants around the city but, following a number of pop-up projects, we’re confident that now is the time for us to launch our own offering. The buzz around gin shows no sign of abating and consumers’ thirst to learn more about the history of the product, coupled with the growth of experiential events, makes this the right time for us to do this.”

“We have been working closely with the asset management team and a number of partners to plan this project for well over a year. Our operational partners for the venture have a pedigree and CV that is second to none, and are the perfect partners to bring our vision to life. Great Western Arcade is the ideal location for us as it bridges both the commercial quarter of Colmore Business District and central shopping area, making our bar the perfect place for both weekdays and weekends. It will be a celebration of British quality and tradition with, of course, a big emphasis on gin. We’ve got some exciting plans and can’t wait to welcome guests through the doors.”

Refurbishment works on the retail units have now begun but, ahead of its official opening, the Langley’s team will give a taster of what’s to come at Birmingham Cocktail Weekend from 15-17 July. Great Western Arcade is home to official Birmingham Cocktail Weekend venue Bistro 1847 and, across the weekend, will see its retailers get involved in the event with tastings, promotions and events. As part of this, a pop-up Langley’s bar will serve up a series of signature cocktails, including ‘Celebration of Britain’, which was chosen as the official cocktail to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

James Roberts, Centre Manager at Great Western Arcade, added:

“Over the past two years, we have re-positioned the Great Western Arcade as the home of retail pioneers; the location to find unique retailers who pride themselves on quality of service in a high street full of monotony. Adding this bar to our existing offering re-affirms our position in the retail market and we’re delighted that they have chosen the arcade as the home of their first permanent retail venture. We welcome around 100,000 visitors a week, from across the shopping and commercial quarters, which puts us in the best position for retailers looking to target both markets.

“Our food and beverage offering has gone from strength to strength, and our bars and restaurants have helped us become an evening destination of choice for the city’s residents, workers and visitors. The new bar will add to this and ensure that we’re adding to the already thriving F&B scene in the local area, which includes new developments like The Grand Hotel and 55 Colmore Row.”

The new bar – which is yet to reveal its name – joins a host of exclusive F&B retailers, including Bistro 1847, Anderson & Hill, Bread Collection, Loki Wine, Sushi Passion and Treat Greek Deli. To keep up-to-date with this new opening, visit www.greatwesternarcade.co.uk.

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