Ten new nightclubs for Gordeno
Former Soho Clubs & Bars chief executive Jeremy Gordeno has bought 10 leasehold nightclubs, the Morning Advertiser has learnt.
Gordeno, who has set up a new company called Summit Clubs, has bought five clubs from Candu Entertainment, the company set up in June 2005 with backing from Close Brothers Private Equity.
It is understand four of the other clubs have been acquired from another established operator and one comes from an independent.
No value has been given for the deal.
Gordeno resigned at Soho Clubs & Bars six months ago with a view to setting up Summit Clubs.
He said: "I had a great time in London. However, it is claustrophobic and there is so little room for any significant growth.
"Aside from the saturated market, onerous leases and high rents, it was clear to me that when the new licensing laws came in back in November and central London was excluded from any benefits, then this would have a negative effect on trade in the capital given the fact that all the neighbouring boroughs were enjoying later licences. The downturn in trade across the West End over the past few months demonstrates that this downward trend has now started."
Gordeno's acquisitions are located as far apart as Nottingham, Essex and Cornwall - capacity is in the 500 to 900 range at the venues.
He is convinced that focused management will be the key at his new venues.
"Creative design ideas and tailored promotions will give the individual clubs a real lift in the image department. I am keen to raise the profile of each club with this more personal approach and attention to detail.
"Clearly, it is this perception by the customer of an independent operation that sets my company apart from my competitors in this market place and I believe is the key to my company's future success and growth."
Gordeno, who owns all of the equity in Summit Clubs, has also opened a site in Bristol and is believed to be looking at a 12th site in Brighton.
