Living Ventures to debut Prohibition in Leeds
The founders of the Living Room concept that has proved popular with footballers and soap stars are set to unveil a sister bar brand.
Tim Bacon and Jeremy Roberts are to launch Prohibition,a bar concept specialising in cocktails and shooters.
"It's about time we did another concept," said Mr Bacon, 39. "Prohibition is about moving away from the café-bar culture which has infested the high street, with all its blandness.
"To me the high street has become very safe and characterless. I believe there is a gap in the market for a bar that focuses on being a proper bar."
Mr Bacon (pictured) said the new offer would place special emphasis on customer service and have a high-energy atmosphere. "The majority of cocktail bars are very laid back, with a lounge atmosphere," explained the Living Ventures chief executive, "and it takes about 10 minutes to get a cocktail.
"Everybody talks about the great service and energy in bars out in America. Prohibition will be a British concept but we will replicate some of the energy you see over there."
The cocktail concept will be launched in an old Casa site in Greek Street, Leeds, and is just three doors down from its Living Room that trades in the same city. The company also operates a bar called Mosquito within its Leeds Living Room site.
The new Prohibition unit belongs to the Laurel Pub Company and the two groups have signed a profit-share agreement. "This is a very good way of getting into the right site quickly," said Mr Bacon.
Living Ventures will look to expand Prohibition in partnership with Laurel, which has a similar deal in place with Babushka operator Vodka Bar Management.
Prohibition follows the continued success of Living Room, the bar-restaurant concept that won Retail Brand of the Year at The Publican Awards 2003.
The company plans to open five more Living Rooms, in Chester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Newcastle and York by next March, taking the brand count to 11 sites.
It has seen average weekly sales at its Manchester Living Room outlet jump from £70,000 to £95,000 after the Manchester United squad decided to use the venue to celebrate pipping Arsenal to the Premiership title.
