Hartford clinches more bar buys
The London-based Hartford Group this week confirmed two new acquisitions for its burgeoning bar chain.
Following the purchase of Hodgsons wine bar in the City's Chancery Lane last month, the group has now taken over Willy's Wine Bar on Fenchurch Street and Champagne-and-oyster bar Bill Bentleys on the Minories.
Hartford's chief executive, James Kowszun, confirmed that Willy's Wine Bar would remain trading largely as it is, but Bill Bentleys would shut imminently and reopen on 1 September as the group's 12th branded Jamies bar.
Investment in the two new sites is expected to be in the region of £200,000, with rent on both properties costing £75,000 per year.
Shelley Sandzer acted as agent for both bar acquisitions.
The group now operates only one restaurant, Canyon, located in Richmond, Surrey.