Inception Group is set to open the Admiral’s Mess, a 2,400 sq ft bar concept at Waldorf Astoria London, Admiralty Arch.
Join our WhatsApp channel: The Morning Round-Up
Get the biggest pub trade stories straight to your phone. Listen to our one-minute daily news briefing and receive breaking news, exclusives and sector updates throughout the day....just remember to turn notifications on in top right corner!
The 60 capacity venue will sit outside the group’s existing brands, which include Mr Fogg’s and Cahoots, and will form part of the Grade I listed landmark hotel overlooking the mall.
The hotel, being restored by Reuben Brothers in partnership with Hilton, will also include restaurants from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud.
Inception Group co-founder Charlie Gilkes said: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to open within such an iconic London location and are excited to have created a totally unique concept fitting for such a historic site.”
First London site
Loungers has opened its first Cosy Club in London at Westfield Stratford City.

The venue, which opened last week (2 September), is the 37th Cosy Club and marks the fifth site to feature the brand’s evolved new look, following openings in St Albans, Leeds, Manchester and Reading.
The former TGI Fridays site has been converted into an all day restaurant and bar, with a statement bar, raised snug and mezzanine terrace overlooking the centre’s entrance.
Cosy Club managing director Lucy Knowles said: “Opening our first London Cosy Club is a major milestone for us. Westfield Stratford City is one of the capital’s most dynamic destinations, and we wanted to create a space that truly rises to that energy.”
The site will trade from breakfast through to late evening, targeting shoppers, families, leisure visitors and evening diners.
Exeter opening
Red Engine has also confirmed Exeter as the next UK location for Flight Club.

The social darts concept will open this winter in the former Revolution site on Queen Street, close to Exeter Central Station.
The 11,916 sq ft venue will be set over two floors and will create 50 jobs across management, front of house and back of house roles.
It will be Flight Club’s 17th UK venue and its second in the South West, following the opening of Flight Club Bristol in 2021.
Red Engine chief executive and co-founder Steve Moore said: “Hitting 1bn darts thrown earlier this year was a huge milestone, and Exeter is where Flight Club’s next chapter starts.
“Five years since we opened in Bristol, we’re excited to be back in the South West, bringing Social Darts to the heart of Exeter this winter.”
Beyond the UK, Red Engine’s partners are preparing to open further Flight Club sites in New York, Dallas, Minneapolis, Nashville and Brisbane.
The new openings will take the global Flight Club and Electric Shuffle estate to 48 venues.



