Pubs and Bars

Vagabond to open flagship St Paul’s bar as expansion resumes

It will be the first new opening since Vagabond was acquired by Majestic Wine Group in April 2024, bringing its estate to 10 sites

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Wine bar operator Vagabond has announced it will open two new London locations, including a flagship site in St Paul’s this August, as it resumes expansion under new ownership.

The company has signed a 15-year lease in Paternoster Square for a site formerly used as the filming location for Channel 4’s First Dates restaurant. The venue will feature over 110 wines by the glass, more than any other Vagabond bar, offered via self-serve dispensers alongside a menu of seasonal small plates.

It will be the first new opening since Vagabond was acquired by Majestic Wine Group in April 2024, bringing its estate to 10 sites. 

A second new bar is due to open in Liverpool Street this autumn as part of the Broadgate Campus development.

The group aims to double its estate within three years, targeting sites of 2,000–5,000 sq ft in high-footfall locations across major UK cities. Majestic has pledged to invest in Vagabond’s long-term growth and expansion.

Christobell Giles, managing director of Vagabond, said: “This new space in St Paul’s captures all of that. It’s welcoming, romantic, social and just a little bit iconic. We’re incredibly proud to be opening in such a special spot and cannot wait to welcome guests in for their first glass. After a brilliant first year with Majestic, this is a really exciting step forward for us at Vagabond.”

John Colley, CEO of Majestic Group and executive chair of Vagabond, added: “Vagabond is a brand with real energy and a unique proposition. Since joining the Majestic family last year, it has shown strong potential to attract new and younger customers who want to engage with wine in a more informal, experiential way.

“We’re committed to investing in new bar openings to help us reach new customers and provide multiple entry points into our wider business, from retail to subscription and beyond. We’re looking forward to supporting the Vagabond team with its expansion across the UK in the coming years.”

Vagabond reported like-for-like sales growth of 16.3% in the six weeks to 23 December and completed a refurbishment of its Battersea Power Station bar in February.

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