Scandinavian-owned Heidi’s Bier Bar has released the official opening date for its new venue in Cardiff.
The après ski style bar will open to the public on Friday 11 March.
Cardiff is the first city in the UK where the brand will open the new venue, with the brand’s operators Rekom UK having invested £2m to transform the former Soda bar on Mill Lane in the city centre.
The opening will see 70 full- and part-time hospitality roles be created as a result. Staff will be dressed in traditional costume as part of the bar’s theme.
The first Heidi’s Bier Bar opened in Copenhagen in 2004. It now has 20 venues across Denmark, Finland and Norway. It plans to invest in further venues across the UK.
Venue manager James Mead has over 10 years’ experience working in some of Cardiff’s biggest bars.
Mr Mead said: “As part of my training I went to Heidi’s in Oslo and I’ve never experienced anything like it. There were people of all ages having the best time.”
Live music, featuring local talent, is also a key part of the venue’s experience, and from Sunday 13 March, a weekly Industry Night will launch for hospitality workers.
Head of marketing and partner Dennis Kastbjerg, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to Heidi’s in Cardiff. The demand for tickets for our opening weekend has gone through the roof and exceeded expectations.”
Mr Kastbjerg added: “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.
The company operates 47 clubs and late night bars in Wales, England and Scotland, including Pryzm Cardiff, ATIK Wrexham and Fiction Swansea.
The freehold interest in the 40,000 sq ft building, which nightclub Pryzm occupies was recently bought by AEW UK REIT from the pension fund of BAE Systems in a £3.62m deal.
Pryzm has 14 years remaining on the lease. It is understood that it pays an annual rent of around £300,000.
