City centre bar to relaunch three and a half months after shock closure
A popular Leicester bar that unexpectedly closed its doors in October is set to relaunch under new ownership.
The Exchange Bar, which ceased trading last year after the landlord allegedly forced his way inside and took possession of the premises, has been taken over by Nottingham-based company MVR Exchange.
The bar’s new owners say it will undergo a “light refresh” whilst continuing to create “the unique ambience and friendly atmosphere that it was known for before.”
The revamped Exchange will be serving up an American-style brunch menu alongside traditional staples such as a soup of the day and toasties at lunchtime.
Prior to its shock closure, the nine year-old arts venue, bar and cafe in the heart of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter had been a finalist and won numerous accolades including Highly Commended at the Visit England Tourism Awards.
The Exchange’s new owner Marc Van Rooyen, who also owns neighbouring cocktail bar Manhattan 34, said: “We’re excited to welcome both new and old customers to The Exchange Bar. We’re already planning an extensive and varied programme of events including beer and wine masterclasses, poetry nights and open mic nights, speciality cuisine nights – to name just a few.
“The Cultural Quarter is a great hub for the city and to be at the heart of that, is an honour. We’re working with businesses in the area to create bespoke offers and there are already plans for a Cultural Quarter loyalty card.”
Back in October, a statement from the venue claimed that the landlord “no longer wished to support and fund the business.” East Bridgford Investments countered that the venue had been on “life-support” for eight months, and said it had incurred non-recoverable losses of over £700,000.
