Bale, who has made more than 200 appearances for both Real Madrid and Tottenham – as well as being capped 79 times for Wales – announced that 18,000sq ft basement concept Par 59 will boast two adult-only mini-golf courses alongside two large bars and dining rooms.
The new venture – due to open in Summer 2020 – is the culmination of a partnership between the four-time Champions League winner’s Elevens Group and The Depot – one of Wales’ most successful alternative entertainment brands.
It marks Bale’s second step into Cardiff’s hospitality scene following the launch of two-time Great British Pub Award best for sport finalist Elevens Bar & Grill with SA Brain in 2017.
“My love for golf is no secret, so I am delighted to be working with an independent Welsh company to bring this concept to Cardiff,” said Bale, who was filmed celebrating Wales’s qualification for Euro 2020 with a flag reading ‘Wales, golf, Madrid, in that order’, in November 2019.
“It’s all about creating a fun environment where people can enjoy something a bit different, and where everyone can have fun.
“So far, everything is going to plan and we’re on track to open this summer, which is really exciting.”
Breathing new life
Found in basement space at Cardiff’s Capitol Shopping Centre, Par 59 will boast two independently run kitchens – including a sushi and Japanese food offering from local trader Sushi Life alongside buttermilk-fried chicken from Cardiff outfit, Dirty Bird.
What’s more, teetotaller Bale – who previously worked with the team at SA Brain to develop namesake Bale Ale – will collaborate with Par 59’s head bartender to develop a range of alcohol-free cocktails.
“Taking empty and forgotten spaces, and breathing new life into them is something we know we do well, but The Depot is still a relatively young brand, so teaming up with Gareth’s team at Elevens Group to open Par 59 is a big achievement for us,” Nick Saunders, founder and managing director of The Depot, explained. “We can’t wait to get the doors open.”
