Leeds bar starts off Firefly chain

by Clive Smith A new chain of entertainment venues focusing on drinking, dining and dancing has been launched in Leeds by an independent restaurant company. Internal Events of London has opened the first of six planned Firefly bar and restaurants outlets in the city and aims to open two in Cardiff and Manchester in a year and then a further three in Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol. Chairman Derek Sheldon said the brand differed from competitors because of the high numbers the venues could accommodate and because of their unique interior design. All the outlets will open until 2am, offer European-style food and be aimed at 25 to 45-year-old professionals who have grown out of clubbing. "All our venues have been specifically designed to create a comfortable environment," said Sheldon. "They have the feel of a 1930s ocean liner where everyone can feel at ease." The £2m Leeds development is located in the city centre in Park Row and covers 10,000sq ft. It can accommodate around 800 people on two floors in the restaurant, cocktail lounge, two bars and dance floor. Cardiff, due to open in July or August, will accommodate up to 900 people. The Manchester venue will be the biggest of the proposed developments and will cater for 1,600. Sheldon compared the brand to a Tiger Tiger operation, but said Firefly would accommodate far more in numbers. The unusual design in Leeds features distinctive "zones", each with a different style, a glass bar which separates drinking and dining areas, sofas, snake-skin wall coverings and a small dance area. The Harrison Design Company, based in Birmingham, designed the venue. Managing director Philip Harrison said: "It has a strong and durable appeal to a mature, sophisticated market which is comfortable with a richer, yet contemporary style. "This is a concept which is certainly flexible enough to provide Internal Events with an outstanding point of difference.