Corney & Barrow sets its sights on expansion

City based wine bar operator Corney & Barrow has landed two new London sites and revealed ambitions to significantly expand its estate.

The company, which has just spent £500,000 refurbishing its flagship Broadgate bar, will open this July at Land Securities' New Street Square development, which straddles the City and West End.

It has also agreed heads of terms at British Land's development at Lime Street in the City, which is a mix of office space and retail with operators such as healthy fast-food group Leon signed up.

Both sites will offer extensive private dining, a growth area for the firm, and are part of a commitment to add two bars a year from 2008 to 2010 to bolster its current estate of 11.

Managing director Lucy Walsh said: "We're really pushing to become better know as somewhere to eat, so clients can use us as somewhere to dine and entertain their guests rather than simply a venue for an after-work drink."

The group has also re-launched its internal management training programme to ensure it has the skilled managers it will need as it grows.

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By Chris Druce

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