Adventure Bar Group builds Birmingham presence

Tonight Josephine, which currently has sites in Waterloo and Shoreditch, will open on Stephenson Street in Birmingham, next to Grand Central station. It's currently expected to launch on 17 May, pending the easing of lockdown restrictions on indoor hospitality settings.

Alongside the launch of its new outdoor bar and entertainment space Luna Springs on the former Digbeth Arena site in Birmingham this week, the new opening marks a major step in Adventure Bar Group to expand its presence beyond the capital.

"We’ve been looking to expand our presence outside of London for some time and these two venues feel like the perfect next step for our business," says Tobias Jackson, who co-founded Adventure Bar Group with his friend Tom Kidd more than 15 years ago.

"Tonight Josephine is a unique concept and we’re really excited to be bringing it somewhere new and think it’s a concept we can share with lots more people in key cities across the UK."

Luna Springs, which opened yesterday 912 April) following the lifting of restrictions on outdoor hospitality settings, is billed as Birmingham's 'largest outdoor bar and entertainment space', and has a phased opening plan that will see the venue expand its capacity – with more bars and eating brands added – over the coming months.

Initially it will be able to accommodate 400 guests, but in time the group expects it to have capacity for 1,500 people.

The Luna Springs food line-up includes street food vendors such as The English Indian; Handmade Pizza; Happy Patty Burgers; and, from the end of April, Mother Clucker.

“As a business, we’re always keen to push ourselves and develop new things, which is why we’re so excited about Luna Springs and the opportunity it presents to us," adds Jackson.

"We’ve got some grand plans to make the most of the space, including an outdoor cinema and a stage to host live music and mini festivals.

"It’s been far too long since people were able to really let their hair down and we’re hoping that, as restrictions ease and the vaccine rollout continues, we’ll be able to play a key part in bringing the fun and enjoyment back into people’s lives.”

Adventure Bar Group operates 10 sites across London including branded bars Tonight Josephine, Bar Elba, Blame Gloria, and The Escapologist.