New operator for former Fat Cat Group site
A third site from the in-administration Fat Cat Group has been taken over by a new operator.
The company, which operated nine cafe/bars, went into administration in April 2013.
Two sites have already been acquired out of administration, and property agent Christie + Co announced that it has now brokered a deal for a third site - the former Fat Cat Cafe bar in London's Bow Wharf - to be leased to Barworks Ltd, which operates 10 bars and seven diners in and around London.
The site is expected to open under the East London Liquor brand by the end of April. It will feature a spirit distillery that will produce spirits from two copper stills.
Alex Wolpert from Barworks said: "We want to revive east London's rich legacy of spirit manufacturing. The craft spirits trade went through a huge and successful resurgence in the US and now the UK is experiencing a similar renaissance, with several city distilleries popping up across the capital over the past 10 years."
Anthony Jenkins, associate director of Christie + Co, said: "After a good deal of interest, the Canal & River Trust is pleased to have secured a tenant for this historic building on Bow Wharf, which with the unique bar concept from Barworks, will draw people to the development and provide something different for the people living and working in the area.
"We were also pleased to have acted on behalf of midlands operator Edward & Moore Ltd, which has taken the leases on Fat Cat units in Derby and Nottingham."
