The Alchemist eyes further UK growth

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Growth trajectory: The Alchemist reveals its future plans

Creative cocktail bar and restaurant group The Alchemist is looking to expand its portfolio in the UK following its first international opening in Berlin, Germany.

The expansion will start with the opening of the firm’s third Scottish venue and second in Edinburgh next month (June).

The site will open on Friday 9 June on the city’s George Street. It will be led towards the company’s late-night offering with a prominent island bar mirroring two high floor to ceiling rooms with feature roof lightwells.

Furthermore, the business has also set its sights on two new London venues at transport hubs, which would mean the number of The Alchemist sites in the capital would be at seven.

First of many

CEO Simon Potts said: “We’ve really enjoyed the project of creating and delivering our fist international venue and believe the Berlin site will be the first of many in Germany in time.

“We remain committed to and excited by the idea of further expansion in the UK and look forward to opening the doors at Edinburgh George Street next month.

“Our experience in Scotland has been fantastic and trading has been consistently positive north of the borer.

“Despite the well-documented challenges for the sector, we are pleased and proud our offer continues to resonate with our consumers and we remain confident in our sensible growth plans."

Future plans

He added: “We are in advanced legals on two fabulous sites in central London, which we expect to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024 respectively.”

Head of bars Jonathan Fraser-Prinn previously told The Morning Advertiser a gripe of his was the apprenticeship levy many hospitality businesses pay into was virtually useless in terms of using it for its intended purpose and requires a review.

The Alchemist, which was launched in 2010, was crowned winner of the Best Drinks Offer at the 2023 Publican Awards.

The 23-strong business impressed judges with its innovation and bold attitude, in particular to is cocktails. This month (May), the brand opened its first international venue in Berlin, Germany.