The finalists are:
Kuckoo
Kuckoo was founded in 2010 and now has a number of bars under its belt. Fun-loving bartenders serve high quality cocktails to an Indie Rock ‘n’ Roll soundtrack at sites in Chester, Sheffield, Knutsford, Preston and Warrington.
Guests can sing their heart out while learning how to make Kuckoo’s signature drinks at DIY cocktail making classes. Music-inspired cocktails include Wrecking Ball, which using a citrus-led gin, passionfruit and blackberry liqueurs rounded off with a few lashings of absinthe.
Kuckoo runs a flat team structure with no managers, and staff are empowered to run the bar through its bespoke training programme.
Nightcap
Nightcap has a focus on premium bars and drinks-led hospitality concepts, with brands including The Cocktail Club, Barrio and The Piano Works.
It’s been an exciting year for the company, headed up by previous Dragon’s Den investor Sarah Willingham. Last June, it acquired the Dirty Martini brand and Tuttons Brasserie in a £4.65m pre-pack deal, and in February, it acquired The Piano Works brand.
Nightcap was launched in 2010 to take advantage of an opportunity to acquire and grow drinks-led businesses.
Creativity is at the forefront of the business, with an innovative and collaborative culture that encourages staff to be themselves. Staff can be trained at its dedicated bar academy in London.
Simmons Bars
Simmons Bars’ pledge is to put fun and value back into the world of bars. With sites across the capital, including in Soho, Oxford Street and Bank, the company combines affordable cocktails with music and drinks offers to create a brilliant night out.
Each site is characterised by quirky, retro décor, and customers enjoy happy hours, parties, and late night DJ sets, with anything from 80s music to hiphop to R&B to house on the cards. The emphasis is entirely on having fun.
Photo booths and karaoke machines have been installed in many venues over the past year, giving customers that experiential offer they want.
Simmons Bars was established in 2013 by founder Nick Campbell, who had a vision of creating fun and relaxed bars that deliver a good product without costing the world, with the first Simmons site in Kings Cross.
Lucky Voice
Lucky Voice welcomes guests into a world of karaoke. With sites across the capital, as well as in Brighton, customers can choose from thousands of songs to suit their occasion.
In January, it launched its site in Liverpool Street, and across all sites, has introduced the option of games in the karaoke machines.
Brunches, yoga, quizzes and drag queen events, all with a karaoke twist, have created an all-round day offering, and the bars also turn into party spaces late at night, and so there’s something for everyone at Lucky Voice.
The operator has been around since 2005, and also makes a home karaoke kit for when you want to start the party in your living room.
