London based portfolio of restaurants, bars, clubs and live music venues, The Columbo Group, owned and operated by Steve Ball and Riz Shaikh, have purchased the freehold of The Blues Kitchen for an undisclosed sum.
This is the Columbo Group’s third freehold purchase. The hospitality business has operated the popular Blues Kitchen barbeque concept at the 7500 square-foot, three storey property at 40 Acre Lane, London SW2 5EP since mid-2015, transforming the former Electric Social site into a 300-capacity music venue, restaurant and bar.
Since 2006, The Columbo Group has created an impressive portfolio of unique character rich venues which garner immediate recognition. A dedication to creating great experiences, and a commitment to building a team of talented individuals with a shared goal of elevating the standards of hospitality, distinguishes the award-winning group within the industry.
The group are known for their distinctive interior design, roster of cutting edge live music, and broad-minded approach to food and drink, which ranges from BBQ and all-American diner to top quality classic British gastropub fare.
The Columbo Group have expanded organically at the rate of about one site per year, bringing the self-funded estate to 10 venues comprising The Old Queens Head in Islington (2006); Paradise by Way of Kensal Green (2008); XOYO in Shoreditch (2011); The Blues Kitchen (Camden 2009, Shoreditch 2014, Brixton 2015); The Nest in Dalston (2010); Phonox in Brixton (2015); The Jazz Café (2016) and The Camden Assembly (2016) both in Camden plus music festival, Sunfall (2016).
Steve Ball, Co-founder of The Columbo Group said:
“This is fantastic site for us to have secured the freehold to, and reflects the great relationship we’ve had with the Brixton community. Locals seem to appreciate how we go about what we do. We want to responsibly champion the unique spirit of Brixton nights out. Since The Blues Kitchen first opened on this site, we’ve also opened club, Phonox around the corner; and now owning The Blues Kitchen building, it really feels like we’re setting roots ready for a legacy.”