Pure Alchemy Leads to Massive Growth

Manchester "creative cocktail" bar chain, The Alchemist, has reported a 19% increase in sales for 2018-19, delivering operating profits of £1.74m (up 7%). 

The molecular mixology bar was originally opened by Living Ventures, in Spinningfields, way back in November 2010, before being sold to Palatine Private Equity for £13m in 2015.

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Former Australasia manager Simon Potts - who took over as Managing Director in the management buyout - has overseen the growth of the business from just four bars (Spinningfields and New York Street, plus Leeds Trinity and London Bevis Marks), with a turnover of £11.3 million, to sales of over £41 million from 16 sites (including MediaCityUK), with further openings set to follow soon in Cheltenham, Birmingham, Portsmouth, London Canary Wharf and Embassy Gardens. 

Original Spinningfields bartender, Felix Crosse - who took over the role performed by David Ray at Living Ventures, by becoming The Alchemist's "bar guru" - is responsible for the drinks menu across the entire group, whilst original Spinningfields chef Seamus O'Donnell oversees the food menu. Former Alchemist manager Mark Burville is Operations Director, with all the other key members of the Handforth-based team also graduating from the Living Ventures stable.

• Alchemist Spinningfields
• Alchemist New York Street
• Alchemist MediaCityUK
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