The group has taken over the original Paternoster Chop House site near St Paul’s, formerly the filming location of Channel 4’s First Dates, for a new flagship that will open in August.
This will be followed by a site at the Broadgate Campus development in Liverpool Street that’s set to launch in September.
Vagabond, which currently operates eight locations across the capital alongside a single site in Birmingham, says the new openings reflect a wider ambition to double the size of its estate over the next three years.
This expansion drive will focus on units of approximately 2,000–5,000sq ft in ‘prime locations’ with ‘substantial footfall and visibility across major UK cities’.
“We’re committed to investing in new bar openings to help us reach new customers and provide multiple entry points into our wider business, from retail to subscription and beyond,” says John Colley, CEO of Majestic Group and executive chair of Vagabond.
“We’re looking forward to supporting the Vagabond team with its expansion across the UK in the coming years.”
Majestic acquired Vagabond out of administration in April last year, securing the future of nine of its wine bars and 171 jobs.
At the time, the wine retailer and wholesaler said it planned to invest in the long-term future of the Vagabond business, including opening new wine bars and growing the brand’s customer base.
In the months since the group has reported ‘strong momentum’ with like-for-like sales growth of 16.3% in the six weeks to 23 December.
It also unveiled the extensive refurbishment of its Battersea Power Station bar in February.
“Vagabond is a brand with real energy and a unique proposition,” Colley adds.
“Since joining the Majestic family last year, it has shown strong potential to attract new and younger customers who want to engage with wine in a more informal, experiential way.”