Not shaken or stirred: Pair of friends bringing new cocktail bar brand to town
Friends Adam Walters and Kyle Flanagan are neither shaken nor stirred as they work towards opening a new 'cosy' cocktail lounge in a Shropshire town.
Called The Hideout, in High Street, Bridgnorth, it will start out as an evenings and weekends only bar as the two pals have other full time professions during the day.
Adam works in banking and Kyle in recruitment but they know each other from working in a cocktail bar when they were 18 and 21 respectively. Adam is now 28 and Kyle is 31 and both live in the Wolverhampton area.
"We worked together in a cocktail bar and loved it," said Adam. "They were the most enjoyable jobs we have had, it didn't feel like working."
They jumped at the chance to buy the lease of the property which was already in use as a licensed premises, and they have brought the existing fixtures and fittings. The total investment is something in the region of £20,000.
"We've both got serious jobs but have always thought about working together, so when we could apply for this place we thought 'why not?," said Adam.
"I'm sure our days will be long as we will be working in the bar after work and at weekends," he added. "But it is what it is."
They are now just waiting on final approvals from the council but have pencilled in a Friday in two or three weeks.
They are planning to have a small menu of cocktails to start with, including classics, a few of their own and seasonal offerings and specials.
Inside there is seating for 30 and the possibility of having more seated outside, along with standing room.
They are planning on having comfortable chairs, with dark blue decor and a brass theme.
"It will have a modern-style jazz bar kind of feel," said Adam. "There will be a mix of music but we won't be a nightclub. There will be good music, dancing and it will be a mix of live and recorded."
Cocktails will be joined by beers and spirits and the duo have linked up with Tanners for their wines.
"We are hoping to really make us stand out from the rest," said Adam. "We are hoping it will do well and we can expand with this new business venture.
"But we have no fear of failure. We intend to make it work but if it doesn't we will drink the stock and close.
"We are keeping our day jobs but giving this our all."
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