A permanent bar is to be opened in Birmingham later this year by Charter Brands, best known for creating Langley’s No 8 Gin.
The spirits specialist’s new retail division has chosen Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade as the home of its new bar, which will be its first permanent venture in the licensed trade.
Taking over units 32 and 33 in the heart of the arcade, it will offer a selection of premium spirits, wines and beers, including Langley’s No 8 Gin which is made at Langley’s Distillery in west Birmingham.
Charter Brands has acquired just over 1,700 square feet of space, including the ground floor bar area and an upstairs events space. Work is already under way, with opening scheduled for later this year.
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.”
It follows a series of successful pop-up bars for Langley’s No 8, which is distributed by Hi-Spirits in the UK, such as The Lakeside VIP Bar at May’s Badminton Horse Trials (pictured).
The new permanent 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.
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.”
