Southwater welcomes first independent bar
Telford Town Centre’s £250 million Southwater development has extended its nighttime offer with the opening of its first independent bar, The LiquorLab.
The LiquorLab has opened in the newest unit to come available in the extension of Meeting Point House.
Matt Taylor, who is from the local area and The LiquorLab’s owner, spotted a gap in the market while working at another restaurant in Southwater.
Since the Southwater development opened, the demand for a bar to allow for customers to stay for longer after their meals increased.
The LiquorLab has enjoyed a full house every night since opening, with standing room at a premium on Friday and Saturday nights.
Other businesses in the development have also reported some of their best sales to date since The LiquorLab’s first weekend of opening.
The industrial science theme of the bar is reflected in the décor and menu, and extends to the test tubes and beakers that cocktails are served in.
Matt Taylor said: “Our ethos is about creating cocktails using high quality spirits and fresh ingredients, serving in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We have recruited some of our mixologists from across Europe as well as local talent, so they really know their stuff.
“When we carried out our market research for the bar, it quickly became obvious that there was a high demand for a drink-led establishment in Southwater. With the help of the Council, we released a survey on the Southwater Facebook page in early 2016 and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
“Many of those going for a meal at one of the restaurants want to be able to continue their night by heading to a bar afterwards. So many people travel to visit the IMAX cinema, use the shopping centre and stay at the Premier Inn, so there has been a real demand for somewhere the public can enjoy themselves and socialise over a drink.
“The LiquorLab has facilitated this and we’ve been really pleased with the response from everyone who’s visited us so far.”
Councillor Shaun Davies, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council and cabinet member for tourism, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome The LiquorLab to our Southwater development and we wish them every success.
“The fact we have been able to support a local independent business is a real positive.”
