Leisure operator CG Restaurants & Bars has signed a 25-year lease to launch its first Dirty Martini bar at 71-72 St Mary Street in Cardiff.
Dirty Martini has agreed a lease with landlord Legal & General for the former Maddison site, which will have capacity for 700 and will create 65 new jobs.
A circa £1.2m refurbishment is currently underway at the 10,000 sq ft venue, which will feature a central bar, unique artwork and areas which can be hired for private events.
With eight bars in London, including Covent Garden and Hanover Square, Cardiff will be the late night cocktail bar’s first venue outside of London.
CG Restaurants & Bars has taken the brand from a 1,200 square foot basement in Covent Garden to a nine strong group with budgeted sales of £13.5M in 2016. Dirty Martini has developed a reputation for bespoke cocktails and stylish interiors with a loyal following that appreciates the brand’s spirited sophistication.
Cardiff-based retail and leisure specialist EJ Hales leased the site to Dirty Martini having acted for the landlord Legal & General.
Welshman, Scott Matthews, chief executive officer of Dirty Martini, said: “When we decided to open in Cardiff, we wanted to ensure we were located in the heart of Cardiff’s nightlife.
“The former Maddison site was an ideal location, providing us with plenty of scope to re-design the venue.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us reach this point. We are excited and can’t wait to open and hope that people in Cardiff and the surrounding areas really enjoy Dirty Martini.”
Will Edwards, fund manager at Legal & General, said: “We are delighted to have completed a letting to Dirty Martini at 71-72 St Mary Street, marking the completion of the first stage of our asset management strategy for the property. We now only have the basement space currently being marketed to let.”
Phil Morris, partner at EJ Hales, said: “After Legal & General appointed us as agents for 71-72 St Mary Street, we were aware Dirty Martini was looking to expand outside of London in Cardiff, and we instantly thought St Mary Street would be a great fit for the brand.
“With new venues like the Philharmonic set to reopen soon, it’s undergoing a massive regeneration and is fast becoming the hub for Cardiff nightlife.
“We’re delighted to have let the old Maddison site to Dirty Martini. We’ve seen the plans and designs for the new bar and we’re sure people will enjoy the stylish environment and quality, bespoke cocktails.”
CG Restaurants & Bars currently operates eight Dirty Martini sites in London across Bishopsgate, Clapham, Covent Garden, Hanover Square, Islington, Minories, Monument and St Paul’s.