Gordeno deal

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12 DECEMBER 2007

GORDENO BUYS FOUR SITES FROM NOVUS

UPFRONT, NEWS, JANUARY 2007, COMMENTS

Former Soho Clubs and Bars Chief Executive Jeremy Gordeno has made four acquisitions in London’s West End to take his expanding nightclub company, Summit Clubs, to 11 sites.

The venues, bought from London’s largest operator Novus Leisure, include Leicester Square’s Oxygen club (London’s only venue to sells oxygen as alongside a wide range of cocktails) and the respected Boardwalk Club, Bar and Restaurant, known in its past life for live performances by Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and for a clientele that once included Marilyn Monroe and JFK. The Soho in Greek Street is a further addition – one which, with its intimate private booths, has always been a favourite of Gordeno’s. “These rabbit warren basement clubs are what Soho is all about,” he explains. The fourth venue acquired by Gordeno is the former Tiger Tiger site on Birmingham’s Broad Street, which is earmarked for what Gordeno describes as a “a huge refurbishment” in the new year.

Jeremy believes that the group that he has bought will prosper from his trademark flamboyant and independent approach.

“Bars, restaurants and clubs in the West End need to remain as individual as the people who go to them!” he says. “These are all funky clubs with 3am licences in trendy areas. They all have their own identity and should be promoted and operated as such.”

Summit was formed in June with the acquisition of five venues from Candu Entertainment, including Liberties in Nottingham, Rumours in Clacton and Shout in Wood Green.

Gordeno reflects that he had no intention of returning to the centre of the capital so quickly after setting up Summit Clubs, but comments that “I just could not pass up the chance of acquiring such a desirabl and unique group of fabulous operations which so rarely become available as a package in these locations.”

“I have had a great year and intend to continue to expand not only in London but also in the provinces. I have however moved my offices to Leicester Square and am looking forward to being back in London,” he concludes.

From: January 2007 Issue

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