Major bar operator revives plans for Nottingham cocktail venue
Arc Inspirations, the bar operator, looks set to finally open one of its Manahatta bars in Nottingham – a year after it aborted plans to open on the city’s Victoria Street.
The Frontage on Queen Street
The company has submitted plans to launch at The Frontage on Queen Street and has submitted plans to transform the basement and ground floor of the listed building.
Planning documents say there is a “real drive” to open the Manahatta bar as soon as possible following the success of its Box bar on Thurland Street in the city.
The documents add: “The internal alterations will offer subtle enhancements to the unit, providing a high quality, traditional appearance, that reflects our clients well known branding and operational requirements. Importantly, the alterations are entirely respectful of the buildings listed status and will ensure the historic significance of the grade II listed building is not compromised – and indeed that its historic grandeur and charm is sensitively restored and exhibited.”
The Frontage was formerly a Red’s True Barbecue.
ARC Inspirations is based in the north of England and operates three brands: Box; Manahatta; and Banyan. It has 18 venues in total.
Last year the company pulled out of opening one of its Manahatta cocktail bars in Nottingham.
The proposed bar was set to create 100 jobs in the city, after Arc submitted a planning application to transform the Grade II former French Connection unit on Victoria Street.
However, some 10 months since the planning application was submitted, Arc shelved the idea.
A spokesperson for Arc Inspirations said: “We have taken the decision to withdraw our application to open Manahatta on Victoria Street. Despite the support of the council and positive discussions with the Listed Buildings Team, there were some issues with the building’s listed status that we were unable to resolve.”
