Barracuda re-opens Alchemist after refurb

Barracuda is taking its Smith & Jones brand in a new direction with the reopening of the Alchemist in Houndsditch, central London following a £300,000 refurbishment.

The former Barracuda Bar has been given a smart look to attract city workers and party goers.

As part of the revamp, more booth seating and soft furnishings were added to increase the bar's appeal for party and functions bookings.

It also has a new all-day menu that includes dishes from charcuterie sharing boards to stone-baked pizzas. It also offers a range of cocktails and premium lagers.

"The opening of the Alchemist marks a significant change in our city bar format within the Smith & Jones brand," said chief executive Mark McQuater.

"We have moved away from the large scale Barracuda Bar and introduced a softer trading platform that is perfect for party bookings and more intimate socialising.

"We also opened the Alibi in Manchester this week, a former Varsity bar in the city centre, and we are confident the new format will complement our strategy of operating a more rounded, seven-day trading business."

The two new openings are part of the company's two-year £16m investment programme. More than 60 pubs and bars of the 220-strong estate have been refurbished and rebranded so far.