The Toby Smith-led group is believed to be currently on site at the Maiden Lane-based Jewel with a VIP opening of the new premium bar and kitchen format set for 26 March.
Mabel’s Bar & Kitchen aims to stretch the company’s existing day parts and cater to the needs of the local area.
It is thought that, if successful, the format, which will be the first launched under new chief executive Smith, will be rolled out to up to seven further sites, the majority of which are its former Lewis & Clarke units.
It is understood that the new format’s DNA will be based on being local and female friendly; and feature “storytellers and masters” — staff who are “storytellers of their product and masters in entertaining”.
The group hopes that the concept will allow its day trade to lead “seamlessly to evening through to an after-dark, buzzy environment”.
The new site’s website proclaims: “Mabel’s is inspired by the beautiful. By the things that make us feel good. Simplicity. Sophistication. But not boring. Never boring. A place to converse, meet up, dance off. Blog, work, chill. Dancing on tables will be allowed. Swinging from the chandeliers too. We never judge. We join in.
“The flavours of our bar are inspired by our travels. The kitchen by the kind of things that makes us all warm and fuzzy on the inside. The kind of food that leaves our minds at ease. We believe any calories consumed are best burned off laughing in the company of good friends. Or kissing.”