Scandinavian-owned Heidi’s Bier Bar has chosen Cardiff for its first venue in the UK.
Located on Mill Lane in the city centre, £2m is being invested by operators of the brand, REKOM, to transform the former Soda bar into a new hospitality venue with an Alpine apres ski theme.
The first Heidi’s Bier Bar opened in Copenhagen in 2004. It now has 20 venues across Denmark, Finland and Norway. The Cardiff venue will create 70 new jobs with local contractors carrying out the building revamp work. The company plans to invest in further venues across the UK.
The company couldn't give a precise opening date, but said fitout work is at an advanced stage.
Heidi’s Bier Bar’s head of marketing and partner, Dennis Kastbjerg, said: “We can’t wait to bring Heidi’s to Wales. Cardiff is a great city, with a vibrant late night vibe and we see this as the first of many sites opening across the UK.
“We have a strong brand identity and have built a loyal fan base. I think it’s the fact Heidi’s isn’t pretentious but just down to earth fun, whether throwing a party for a special occasion or simply catching up with friends for a drink. It will bring a whole new vibe to the city when we open.”
REKOM, which operates over 200 bars, pubs and clubs across Scandinavia, first moved into the UK in 2020 following the acquisition of The Deltic Group.
REKOM UK operates 47 clubs and late night bars in Wales, England and Scotland, including PRYZM Cardiff, ATIK Wrexham and Fiction Swansea.