West Yorkshire entrepreneurs launch latest bar venture

Two entrepreneurs have opened a new venue, Kindred Spirit, in Wakefield after investing £145,000 in the site.

Avenue Bars, owned by brothers Bradley and Ashley Crecraft, has launched a new site; Kindred Spirit on Albion Court.

The new site has created 15 jobs.

The Crecraft brothers own two other Wakefield venues, The Foundation and Havana. The pair have also opened three bars including the popular night spot, Stereo.

They were able to launch their latest venture with £145,000 in funding from NatWest.

Bradley Crecraft, director of Avenue Bars Ltd, said: “After the success of Stereo Bar we formed Avenue Bars, with the aim of creating a new high-end offering for the Wakefield area. Thanks to the support of NatWest, we are now able to realise our dream and create some new jobs in the process.

“This is hopefully the start of a great future for Avenue Bars and we aim to open many more venues.”

Simon Winterburn, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “Avenue Bars is undertaking an exciting period with the launch of Kindred Spirit. It’s a brand-new concept in the town and I wish Bradley and Ashley every success for the future.”

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, added. “We are delighted to have been able to work with the businesses in this area to help breathe new life into this historic and popular part of the city.

“These works have transformed Albion Court by upgrading the yard’s appearance, creating an attractive environment that still reflects its historic heritage. We hope this will help boost our local economy by attracting new audiences into the city centre, and will help preserve this historic yard for years to come.”