Be At One – the privately owned London bar operator – is to open its eighth bar in Clapham.
The group has acquired Bar Local on Clapham High Street for an undisclosed sum and hopes to open the venue at the end of November after a refurbishment.
The management at Be At One has also revealed that its wet-led cocktail offering is continuing to do well – despite the on-going economic downturn.
It said that for the seven months to the end of October group sales increased 75% to £2,882,733 from £1,646,788.
Like for like sales increased 20% and ebitda increased 156% from £246,952 to £634,394 for the same period.
Co-founder Rhys Oldfield told M&C Report: “We don't offer food, nor do we offer draught beer but what we do, we do well and I think that is where we differ from a lot of other bars.
“With the prospect of the smoking ban I think a lot of operators were tempted to improve their food offering but many of them are not doing it well. At Be At One we concentrate on our strengths.”
Oldfield – who launched the concept 10 years ago with partners Steve Locke and Leigh Miller – said Be At One was also benefitting from competition between spirit producers Pernod Ricard and Diageo.
Commenting on the opening of its new Clapham site, Richard Zivkovic – Be At One's new head of operations – said: “We are delighted to have secured this fantastic site in Clapham, the property is ideally located to make the most of passing trade plus local businesses and residents, plus we feel we offer something a little different to the area.
“As with all Be At One branches, Clapham will be in the capable hands of our full time professional staff.
“We have wanted a site in Clapham High Street for some time and everyone in the company is delighted with the prospect. Be At One Clapham will be a fantastic addition to the group.”
