London's Café Amici owner buys Essence restaurant and DJ bar

The owner of Café Amici in Aldwych has bought the leasehold on the 3,500 sq ft Essence restaurant, bar and DJ Bar near London's Barbican tube station.

The 300-capacity property in Smithfield & Charterhouse Square benefits from a wide frontage and a 2am licence.

It comprises a ground floor area which houses the 80-seat formal dining room and main bar and a 100-capacity lower ground floor with a DJ Bar, decks and dance floor.

The business, which has been trading under administrator PB Recovery, achieved a turnover of £478,009 in the 14 months to 31 July 2006.

Acting for the administrator, business transfer agent Forum sold the 30-year renewable lease (which started in July 2000) for close to the £200,000 asking price. Passing rent is set at £57,500.

By Angela Frewin