Entrepreneurs bring gin venue Allotment to Birkdale with £65k funding

Entrepreneurs Gavin Williams and James Kennedy have launched a new gin bar with five-figure funding.

The two lifelong friends used the £65k boost, from loan and equity provider MSIF, to set up Allotment Birkdale in Sefton, Merseyside.

Gavin and James, who opened the first Allotment bar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter three years ago, decided to set up a second venue within the former HSBC bank building on Liverpool Road in Birkdale.

The assistance from Liverpool-based MSIF funded a full refurbishment of the property, transforming it from bank premises into a botanically themed gin bar and restaurant.

A number of the original features were retained, including the site’s marble floor and vault, which now serves as a private snug area with dining space for up to 12 people.

With two Allotment venues now under their belts, Gavin and James plan to grow the brand further with new themed bars and restaurants across the UK.

Gavin said: “We have spent three years refining the Allotment brand in Manchester and have found the feedback to be phenomenal.

“Birkdale is a beautiful village full of independent traders who work together to create a vibrant and buzzing community; and it is an honour to be part of that.”

He added: “Our ambition is to continue growing the Allotment throughout the country, with Liverpool city centre being the home of Allotment number three.”

James commented: “We had a very busy summer with visitors from far and wide thanks to The British Open. We’re now looking forward to Allotment Birkdale’s first Winter.”

“MSIF were amazing throughout the process. [Investment manager] Andy Jones dealt with us from day one and we found the whole process to be very easy and transparent.”

MSIF’s Andy Jones said of the deal: “Allotment Birkdale brings a unique offering of food and drink to Birkdale Village.

“Both Gavin and James have masses of experience within the industry. Their innovative ideas and previous success have put them in a great position for making Allotment Birkdale a great bar for the area. It has been great to work with them both and I’m really excited to see how the venture progresses.”

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