SSP UK, the number one operator of food and beverage brands in UK travel locations, has acquired Cabin bar at Waterloo Station from Corney & Barrow Bars. Cabin will become part of the SSP estate from 13 November 2013.
Cabin pulled into Waterloo station on 31 July 2012, with the intention of putting style back into travel. The bar is based on the mystique, intrigue and luxury of the iconic Orient Express together with a contemporary feel to appeal to those looking for a quality experience in a travel environment. At the time of its launch, Cabin featured the first ever self-service wine machine to be installed at a major train station.
The menu features an excellent choice of premium food and drink, with an emphasis on British tapas that can be enjoyed with martini cocktails, exclusive ales and fine wines. Customers can take advantage of take-out coffee, muffins, wine and made-to-order picnic hampers, featuring cured meats, speciality cheeses and freshly baked bread.
Corney & Barrow strategic review
Ed Gardner, Managing Director, Corney & Barrow Bars, said: “The new executive team at C&B Bars has recently completed a strategic review of the company’s bar estate. This has resulted in a decision to terminate C&B’s interest in Cabin at Waterloo Station.
“Our priority going forward is to consolidate and build on our pre-eminent position within the Square Mile and Canary Wharf. We have a number of key investment plans for the City estate and this realignment of resources will enable us to focus on our core strengths as the economy and trading conditions around us improve. No other disposals are contemplated at this time”.
Bars and pubs a key part of SSP strategy
Mark Angela, Chief Executive, SSP UK & Ireland comments: “We are very pleased to be including Cabin in our growing portfolio of premium bars, such as The Merchant at Liverpool Street and The Grain Loft at Manchester Airport. Bars and pubs form a key part of our strategy as we focus on upgrading our estate and introducing premium offers as part of the mix.
“We will continue to invest and bring innovation to this sector to ensure we continue to deliver an exceptional experience for customers. We have invested in the team to do this. Barry Gifford is our Ops Director and earlier in the year, we appointed Lucy Knowles from Corney & Barrow Bars to the position of Chief Marketing Officer to drive this sector of our business. Lucy will be supported by Natalia Di Palma who has a wealth of experience heading up the marketing at Drake & Morgan.”