Revolution founders and Trof duo combine for Mission Mars

THE founders of the vodka bar chain Revolution have teamed up with up-and coming leisure sector operators Joel Wilkinson and Adele Winter to create a new venture.

Called Mission Mars, the business brings together the expertise of Roy Ellis and Neil MacLeod – who built up Revolution  – with Wilkinson and Winter’s four venues in Manchester – Trof, The Deaf Institute, Gorilla and The Albert Hall.

The maiden investment by the new venture is Albert’s Schloss – a Bavarian-themed bar and restautamt on the ground floor of the iconic Albert Hall building on Peter Street, which has been partially funded by a £2m growth capital loan from Santander Corporate & Commercial.

The Albert Hall was launched in 2013 and has played host to artists such as Sam Smith, The Script and the Manic Street Preachers.

The funding has been used to redevelop the redundant ground floor of the building into the Albert Schloss, which has just opened.

The Schloss theme was chosen as a nod to Prince Albert – after whom the Albert Hall was named –  who was born in Schloss Rosenau, Bavaria. The venue will feature a large bar, long ‘sharing’ tables, open log fires and will specialise in high quality, rustic food with a German theme.

Roy Ellis, chief executive of Mission Mars said: “The redevelopment will bring back to life the empty Albert Hall music venue and develop the ground floor into a fantastic restaurant and bar, firmly putting it on the map of top Manchester venues.

“We believe the Schloss theme is truly unique and are confident that this will draw crowds of all ages to this architecturally impressive and grand building. Our ambition at Mission Mars is to own and operate outstanding bars, restaurants and live event venues across the UK.”

Steve Harrison, director, Santander Growth Capital, said: “Mission Mars is one of the North West’s most exciting leisure businesses and we are delighted to be supporting with funding from Santander’s Breakthrough Growth Capital Fund. Our funding, plus the investment from the shareholders, will transform what is already an outstanding venue at The Albert Hall in Manchester’s city centre.”

Advisers include: Dow Schofield Watts (financial due diligence), Bond Dickinson (bank legal), Tennant Land Partners (shareholders) and Eversheds (legal advice to Mission Mars).

 

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