Best Late Night Operator winner, sponsored by Kopparberg: Nightcap

In 2021, the operator merged with Adventure Bars, founded by Thomas Kidd and Tobias Jackson, with ex-Dragon’s Den investor Sarah Willingham at Nightcap’s helm.

It’s a business that’s only 18 months old and has a focus on premium bars and drinks-led hospitality concepts, with brands including The Cocktail Club, Adventure Bar Group and Barrio.

“Live for the now” is a philosophy that underscores the business’s entertainment offering, which storms the sector in creating fun, unforgettable nights to remember with a focus on Gen Z consumers.

Business innovation was key to growth in 2022: Themed brunches, for instance, are a huge customer draw. Themes across its sites include Abba, Harry Styles, Beyoncé, La Bamba Bingo, Sinister Circus and many more. Each show is a mix of sing-alongs, games, bottomless cocktails, Prosecco and street food.

Party time

Nightcap’s entertainment offering is non-stop from start to finish in a way that’s nothing short of thrilling. Other forms of entertainment include DJ-led events or events led by the bar teams themselves, where it’s as much a party for the team as it is for guests: staff dance on bars and swing lights to drive atmosphere, creating a lively, high-energy vibe that’s infectious for all who work through the door.

And this night-time vibrancy is reflected in the décor. Site interiors are colourful and quirky with quirky neon lighting and iconic ‘Instagrammable’ signage, with each brand boasting a highly original and distinctive design.

Nightcap has also been incredibly savvy in adapting to tough trading conditions and changing consumer habits, with late-night guests coming out less but seeking premium ‘experiences’ when they do. Bottomless brunches, daytime parties and drag-hosted karaoke nights are just a few of the eclectic events on offer across the sites.

Innovative serves

The business also launched the ‘Nightcap Bar Academy’ in Camden, which fast-tracks team development through a two-week bootcamp. Bartenders are trained under the supervision of London Cocktail Club founder JJ Goodman here, and the company creates a bespoke, premium drinks offering through partnering with brands like Magnum and Hotel Chocolat. But smaller brands are not forgotten about, and Nightcap platforms these through its ‘flavours of the month’.

In 2022, Luna Springs in Digbeth hosted the Midlands’ largest Oktoberfest, a World Cup fan park and also pulled out the stops for a number of summer parties. Managers are given the chance to explore their own creative ideas with freedom and flair.