Vagabond eyes UK growth as Canary Wharf site opens

Canary Wharf: Vagabond opens fifth new site this year
Canary Wharf: Vagabond opens fifth new site this year (Vagabond)

Vagabond has opened its latest venue in Canary Wharf as the experiential wine bar operator accelerates expansion under Majestic Wine Group.

The new 4,000 sq ft site, located on Park Drive, marks Vagabond’s fifth opening in less than a year and brings the brand back to Canary Wharf.

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The venue has over 120 wines by the glass, poured through Vagabond’s tap and pour model, including English wines produced at its Urban Winery in Canada Water, around 1,300 metres away.

It also features a private events space overlooking the water, targeting corporate bookings, celebrations, residents, visitors and workers in the district.

Expansion plans

The opening follows new Vagabond sites in St Paul’s and Liverpool Street last autumn, the launch of its Urban Winery in Canada Water in December and its largest site to date in Soho last month.

The business currently operates 14 sites and is aiming to grow to 25 venues over the next five years.

Backed by Majestic Wine Group and Fortress Investment Group, Vagabond said it was looking to take its experience led wine bar model to major towns and cities across the UK.

The group has also invested in multichannel growth over the past year, including a new app, digital wine flights and a transactional website.

Canary Wharf: Vagabond opens fifth new site this year
Canary Wharf: Vagabond opens fifth new site this year (Saltwick./Saltwick.)

Younger consumers

John Colley, executive chairman and chief executive of Majestic Wine Group, said: “Vagabond’s experience led hospitality proposition is at the heart of our Group’s strategy to engage with younger, more adventurous wine consumers.

“Locations like Canary Wharf that attract a real mix of residents, professionals and visitors are exactly where Vagabond belongs, and we’re delighted to be bringing the brand back to the district.

“This investment underscores our confidence in the future of the Majestic Wine Group’s experiential retail and hospitality businesses, and we’re looking forward to introducing the Vagabond concept to even more towns and cities outside of London in the near future.”

Vagabond interim managing director Graham Hall said the Canary Wharf district had “evolved so much over the past few years”.

He added: “We know that our unique tap and pour experience will bring something new and complementary to Canary Wharf, and we’re looking forward to helping residents, visitors and workers explore new and esoteric wines from around the world.”

Canary Wharf attracted 76m visitors last year, with weekend footfall more than doubling compared with 2019.