For the growing number of fans of The Escape Rooms in Newport, the wait is nearly over.
The attraction will soon be unveiling its second, and newest, escape scenario and owners Elinor and David Daniel have dropped a few tantalising hints about it.
“The new room called HOST is still being play-tested and tweaked, but we are thrilled with how it has turned out,” said Elinor.
“We can’t give the details of the new room at this stage, but can say it has a different theme to the first.”
The Escape Rooms launched last summer by the brother-sister team, with a horror-themed room Torture Corp, referencing, among other things, the city’s Chartist uprising. The new room is aimed at sci-fi fans, with inspiration from the Alien series of films.
“HOST will be a bit more tech-heavy and elaborate – but will definitely be scary,” said David.
The Escape Rooms has proved a hit since its launch, exceeding targets in the business plan, and this success has paved the way to invest for the future. “Things are going really well, We are doing better than we had expected and this has given us the confidence to move forward,” commented Elinor.
“It has certainly found a niche and is developing a growing following, not only in Newport but further afield,” she added.
“People say they find the experience fun and challenging, and is good for team building.”
The business took over an unused space beneath Newport Market and set about converting it last year. Launch costs were supported by a £1,500 Start Up Business grant, provided by Newport City Council and Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.
Both organisations have been pleased with the success of the project, adding a new dimension to the city’s entertainment scene.
Martin Palmer of UK Steel Enterprise commented: “We are delighted that The Escape Rooms is already performing strongly in business terms and is making its mark on the city’s entertainment scene. It is good to see them expanding and developing the business with an eye on the future.”
Councillor Jane Mudd, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “It is always good to see businesses flourishing in the city and it’s a bonus that this venture is being run by two local, young entrepreneurs. It brings a different and exciting element to the city centre’s offering in one of Newport’s historic buildings.
“I’m pleased the council were able to help when the business was getting off the ground, thanks to our excellent partnership with UK Steel Enterprise.”
And the wait will soon be over. “We are both very excited about it and can’t wait to open it to the public,” said Elinor.