Nightcap to open dedicated Bar Academy

Nightcap, which owns the Cocktail Club, Adventure Bar Group and the Barrio Familia group of bars, is launching a bar academy training hub in London’s Camden Market.

The academy will be led by creative director JJ Goodman (pictured) and will provide training across the group, for new and existing teams.

The dedicated facility will provide an opportunity for staff members to improve their skills across the company's estate. It is envisaged that the academy will function as a central hub to improve both recruitment and retention, as Nightcap continues to expand across the UK.

Sarah Willingham, chief executive of Nightcap, said: “In Nightcap we have a team of people who are exceptional at the things that they are good at. They shine and are allowed to shine.

"That's why we've started our incredible Nightcap Bar Academy, to capture the brilliance and share the magic with anyone who joins our team. Working with the best of the best, you'll learn skills for life and have a lot of fun doing so! I've stood and watched the teams grow in confidence, build friendships and learn to produce some perfect cocktails. I couldn't be prouder.”

At the same time, the group announced another new opening in Bristol for its Tonight Josephine brand.

The latest lease, signed at 28 Baldwin Street, will be the fourth site for the group in Bristol, following recent openings under the Cocktail Club and Blame Gloria brands.

The venue will be the largest Tonight Josephine site with a capacity of 450, split across a ground floor and basement, with an additional outside terraced area. The site measures approximately 7,824 square feet and will open later this year.

Tonight Josephine Bristol will be the third opening for the brand this year, following its recent opening in Cardiff and lease signing in Liverpool.

It will be the fourth Tonight Josephine venue outside of London and the seventh in total. It takes the total number of Adventure Bar Group sites to 13 in total.

Nightcap now has 34 sites within its estate and a further 22 premises under offer or in legal negotiations.