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Speakeasy-style bar group Bootlegger Bars has announced the acquisition of a new site in Covent Garden, marking a significant step in its growth strategy despite ongoing challenges across the UK hospitality sector.
The group has secured the former Sinners Club site, part of the LDN Bars portfolio, with plans to open Bootlegger Covent Garden in the summer 2026.
Managing Director, Scott Matthews said: “Securing a site in Covent Garden is a huge milestone for us and a real statement of intent. While we’re all aware of the challenges facing hospitality, we’ve seen strong momentum in the business so far this year. That gives us the confidence to invest in prime locations and continue building the Bootlegger brand in key city centres.”
The Covent Garden venue will bring the brand’s signature Prohibition-era aesthetic to London’s West End, with a focus on high-energy hospitality.
The new venue will follow the group’s established Bootlegger format, with a focus on live music, premium cocktails and late-night trade, while also placing a strong emphasis on weekend daytime experiences. The site is expected to feature live music four nights a week, alongside daily happy hours, with a weekend-led offering built around bottomless brunch and interactive cocktail masterclasses designed to drive daytime footfall.
The acquisition follows a series of senior appointments at the end of 2025, as the business strengthened its leadership team to support expansion.
Scott Matthews joined as Managing Director, bringing extensive operational experience from across the bar and late-night sector, while Faye March was appointed Marketing and Sales Director to lead brand growth and customer engagement.
Founder, Lee Miller added:“The appointments of Scott and Faye have been instrumental in putting the right foundations in place for this next phase. Their combined experience gives us the structure and expertise to scale the business in a sustainable way.”
Bootlegger Bars operates a growing estate across the UK and is understood to be exploring further opportunities as part of its ongoing rollout strategy.
The Covent Garden opening is expected to create a number of new jobs and further strengthen the group’s presence in London’s competitive late-night market.
Pub & Bar News is sponsored by The Kitchen Porters Club
