London’s nightlife is ever-evolving, but one Finsbury venue which opened in November is quickly making its mark in a crowded market.
The 1 Bar, located at 18 Appold Street, promises a fresh take on after-work experiences by merging crafted cocktails with daily live music performances.
Securing the perfect venue took 14 months, as large landlords were hesitant to take a chance on an emerging brand. However, perseverance and belief in the concept paid off.
The 1 Bar owner Dimitar Petkanov said: “The response has been incredible.
“Both the local community and corporate clients have expressed that The 1 Bar is exactly what the City of London needed.”
Petkanov explained his goal for The 1 Bar, to break the mould of conventional nightlife venues by creating a space that is not just a place to drink, but an elegant landscape without restrictions of dress codes and barriers.
The opening came at a time when late night venues have fallen by two thirds in the past three years.
Home Office statistics show that between 2021-22 and 2023-24, the number of 24-hour licences held by pubs, bars and nightclubs in London dropped by more than two-thirds, from 183 to 58.
Recognising this shift, The 1 Bar aims to combat the decline by offering more unique and personalised experiences.
Petkanov said: “Trends in London’s nightlife are leaning towards more unique and personalised experiences.
“As these preferences evolve, The 1 Bar aims to be at the forefront by adapting and innovating in ways that resonate with both new and loyal patrons.”
To achieve this vision, Petkanov hopes to incorporate more themed nights and interactive events such as Local Spirits Night, an initiative to showcase locally distilled spirits and craft cocktails to support local distilleries while offering a taste of British craftsmanship.
Sustainability is another pillar of The 1 Bar’s ethos.
The venue is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through waste minimisation, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient practices.
Petkanov said: “It’s important to us that as we grow and succeed, we also contribute positively to our community and the environment.”
With a 15-year lease secured, The 1 Bar has a bright future in London’s nightlife scene and aspirations for expansion to additional locations.
Featured image credit: Dimitar Petkanov
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