Vagabond, the experiential wine bar business that offers more than 100 wines to tap, pour and explore, has toasted the launch of its newest venue in Canary Wharf as it accelerates its ambitious expansion plans.
Vagabond’s return to Canary Wharf marks its fifth new opening in less than a year as the business ramps up its strategy to grow its portfolio from 14 locations today to 25 in the next five years. Vagabond’s latest London site follows its successful launches in St Paul’s and Liverpool Street last autumn, the opening of the UK’s largest Urban Winery in Canada Water last December, and its biggest-ever bar in Soho just last month.
Backed by owners Majestic Wine Group and Fortress Investment Group, Vagabond aims to take its unique tap-and-pour concept to major towns and cities across the UK as it doubles down on its experiential hospitality proposition. In addition to the significant investment in growing its physical presence, Vagabond is also enhancing its multichannel capabilities to help its customers enjoy wine in new ways. During the past 12 months, Vagabond has launched a new smartphone app, digital wine flights and a transactional website, which allows visitors from all four corners of the UK to order their Vagabond favourites directly to their door.
Vagabond’s latest prime location in Park Drive offers guests more than 120 wines to tap, pour and explore by the glass, including a host of English wines produced just 1,300 metres away at Vagabond’s award-winning Urban Winery in Canada Water. The 4,000 sq ft Canary Wharf site also features a private events space overlooking the water, perfect for hosting personal celebrations or corporate bookings.
The venue is perfectly placed to capitalise on Canary Wharf’s growing appeal, and quench the thirst for experiences among local residents, day-trippers, tourists and professionals alike. Last year, the Canary Wharf district attracted 76 million visitors as weekend footfall more than doubled compared to 2019, driven by the district’s constantly evolving retail and leisure proposition. Canary Wharf now boasts a thriving mix of more than 380 shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, creating a modern and vibrant destination.
Graham Hall, interim managing director at Vagabond, said: “Everyone at Vagabond is excited to finally return to Canary Wharf today. It’s a district that, like Vagabond, has evolved so much over the past few years and we’re delighted to join the amazing mix of bars and restaurants that are thriving here. We know that our unique tap-and-pour experience will bring something new and complementary to Canary Wharf, and we’re looking forward to helping residents, visitors and workers explore new and esoteric wines from around the world.”
John Colley, executive chairman and CEO of Majestic Wine Group, added: “Vagabond’s experience-led hospitality proposition is at the heart of our Group’s strategy to engage with younger, more adventurous wine consumers. Locations like Canary Wharf that attract a real mix of residents, professionals and visitors are exactly where Vagabond belongs, and we’re delighted to be bringing the brand back to the district.
“This investment underscores our confidence in the future of the Majestic Wine Group’s experiential retail and hospitality businesses, and we’re looking forward to introducing the Vagabond concept to even more towns and cities outside of London in the near future.”
Stuart Fyfe, managing director of retail, leisure and hospitality at CWG, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Vagabond to Canary Wharf, another innovative concept wanting to be part of our thriving district, attracted by our growing footfall and the diverse and expanding customer base. Canary Wharf is one of the most exciting dining and leisure destinations in London with a wide range of over 80 cafes, bars and restaurants. With a wider range of price points covered, they appeal to a diverse range of visitors, workers and residents alike.”
