Urban Pubs & Bars to reach 41 sites with Waterloo opening
Urban Pubs and Bars’ first foray into the competitive station market is a 5,080sq ft establishment – The Victory – situated upstairs on The Balcony at Waterloo station will be the group’s 41st site. The Balcony, which is the longest at any British rail station, is currently home to operators such as Marugame and Benugo restaurant brands.
Urban Pubs & Bars won Best Managed Pub Company at the Publican Awards in April this year and has subsequently appointed Chris Hill as its group managing director to help expand the business and roll out more concepts.
First venture into transport hubs
Hill, whose CV includes chief executive roles at both New World Trading Company and RedCat, said: “As well as being our first venture into transport hubs, the Victory at London Waterloo is ideally located to capture customers looking to enjoy London’s Southbank as well as popular landmarks including the BFI IMAX and the London Eye.”
Network Rail property commercial director Hamish Kiernan added: “To secure Urban Pubs & Bars’ first venue in a transport hub is testament to the continued commercial strength of our stations.
“The Victory will deliver a new and vibrant offer for customers as we elevate our retail and restaurant mix. This additional investment demonstrates the ongoing appetite from successful brands for Waterloo Station.”
Varied sites
Urban Pubs & Bars operates 40 sites across the capital, from sports-focused site Bat & Ball in Stratford, Nest in Bishopsgate offering great cocktails to Spanish and Italian cuisine at Ember Yard in the heart of Soho.
In October 2021, the business acquired 13 sites from Barworks.
The Victory will join BrewDog’s flagship site at the London station, which was also a winner at the Publican Awards for Best New Site and Best Pub Brand/Concept.
