Weekender: Well-known independent bar director raises a glass to early success at his newest venue

Opening a new bar and restaurant in Harrogate has always been on the ‘to do’ list for MOJO director Mal Evans.

Earlier this year, that vision became a reality when he opened up a 2,400 sq ft venue on Parliament Street in the town centre; bringing the brand “back to Yorkshire”. MOJO now boasts five branches across Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Nottingham – which, altogether, are projected to reach a £5.2m turnover this year.

The business now employs more than 100 people across its sites. MOJO first opened its doors in Leeds 22 year ago and Evans – a keen foodie and mixologist – first “cut his teeth” working in Harrogate in 1990 and he has wanted to open a venue in the town ever since.

“I have always been interested in opening something in Harrogate and always said that I would, as soon as I could get near the right opportunity. It is an amazing place where people can go out any day of the week. It is always buzzing,” said Evans.

“While I am from Liverpool, Leeds and Yorkshire have a very special place in my heart. All of the cities we operate in have their own feel and different bars. It’s not just the different locations we are thinking about but also the timelines; in some of our venues we are now welcoming the next generation.”

The new bar, which offers a wide variety of American dishes including hot wings, also offers customers rock n’ roll music from the last six decades in a “high octane environment.” Spread across three floors and with an outdoor terrace soon to launch, MOJO Harrogate opened in April and its launch party alone proved a huge success. Since then, the venue has proved popular with residents and visitors alike.

Evans said he was used to operating in a competitive market and welcomed that competition, adding: “There is more decent competition now than ever before.”

While he is aware that customers are now more discerning with spending their cash, he said it was disappointing to see a “complaining culture” from customers, especially given TripAdvisor’s dominance. This is one of the reasons why he feels independent bars and food outlets very much have their important place in the regional economy; to offer different and unique experiences based on quality to help town and city centres thrive.

“Our focus needs to be on what we do best – service, quality and atmosphere. Anybody can go into a bar and hear music but we want to bring something different – that edge. We also want to touch a wider spectrum of people with the brand, because not everybody has the same experiences and people have different budgets,” added Evans.

The business has invested heavily in its sound system for this very reason, and has installed sound proofing throughout – an important feature given the venue has a licence to remain open until 4am. Evans has had to “adjust the business model” as the group has expanded organically. He has remained true to ensuring all staff are trained on service throughout and admits he has had to compromise on some of the smaller design details in order to make the business thrive.

“We are in a better place than we have ever been,” said Evans, who now employs operational directors across sites to “make sure we are on the ball.”

Evans, who once made and served cocktails for Elton John, has enjoyed every moment of his career so far and has his sights on launching a venue in London. He added: “I would like to see more independents have a fair crack of the whip. Leeds is where we started and all of my friends own bars and restaurants. We have to stand together as a city. I think professional rivalry is a good thing, it makes you try harder.”

 

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