The Botanist expands with new York bar

Gastropub chain The Botanist is opening an eleventh site this month, in York, as the company ramps up it growth plans.

The new York bar lies in Stonegate in the centre of the city, and comprises around 50,00sq ft. It follows its tenth bar in Sheffield, which opened in September and was the first bar since parent company New World Trading Company (NWTC) was acquired by private equity firm Graphite Capital as part of a management buyout in June.

Speaking to db in September, CEO Chris Hill said the Knutsford-based group was planning to open six or seven further sites a year, which he said was a good pace for steady growth.

“We’ve only just scratched the surface,” he added.

Ciara Appleton Mcdaid has been appointed as general manager, moving from the Newcastle site, with a further 60 jobs set to be created, Hill said.

Today he said he was incredibly excited to bring The Botanist concept to York. “We feel the character and atmosphere of the city fits perfectly with the brand. It’s great to be able to bring so many jobs to the city and we’re delighted to already have Ciara on board as we begin the recruitment process.”

The first Botanist bar was founded in Manchester by the Living Ventures Group in 2011. NWTC was spun out of the parent company in 2013 when the private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group, LDC bought a minority share of the business. This share was sold in June to Graphite Capital, and although Living Ventures Group retains a share in the current business, the management team also snapped up a portion of shares.

As well as the eleven Botanist sites, the company operates a further five bars under The Oast House, Smugglers Cove, The Trading House and The Club House brands.