Washhouse is the UKs leading hidden bar concept fronted and marketed as a launderette. The concept bridges the gap between high end quality bar and experiential socialising, a sector that has seen phenomenal growth in the UK and internationally over the last 5 years.
Washhouse not only has the most innovative, crazy and Instagram-able cocktails, it also offers an array of immersive experiences to its guests, including hidden entrances to extra party areas and disco toilets equipped with resident DJs.
The Franchise Opportunity
Building off the back of the huge success in Manchester, Washhouse is looking for franchisees capable of expanding into large metropolitan areas with vibrant Food & Beverage scenes.
There is no food offer realising reduced investment costs and dedicating more of your location to trading space, focusing the operation solely on the quality of drink and personal informative service. Working exclusively with reservations and table service, it does not need to spend on queue management and security.
Why Should You Invest
In a market that has seen changes to consumer trends over the last few years, Washhouse has shown strong growth and a high margin operation proven to deliver revenues over £3 million a year and a strong EBITDAs margin.
Experiential socialising has become a leading choice for night out with people looking for more than a drink. Washhouse offers an unrivalled experience to all guests, appealing to
- First Dates
- Pre & After Dinner Drinks
- Tourists, UK & International
- Cocktail connoisseurs
- Celebrations
- Special events
- Sophisticated hen parties
The service is unparallel for the bar industry showcasing informative and personal staff on a par with Michelin restaurants. Over 90% of the sales are for cocktails, all of which are amazingly photogenic and frequently appear on social media channels. The table led service provides a safer space for guests realising a strong female demographic at over 75%.
Washhouse has retained the number one bar on Tripadvisor in Manchester for the last 7 years, expanding the size of its original venue twice due to overwhelming demand.
Who We Are Looking For
Washhouse is actively seeking new Franchisees in key cities throughout the UK and Europe. Experienced operators are preferred but not essential for investors that work with industry leadership teams.
Training and Support
Washhouse has a structured and comprehensive training programme for all new Franchisees.
- Twenty days on site training programme for all key Team Members
- Support prior to and during the opening weeks
- Additional training and support available if needed
Washhouse Values
- Our Teams are down to earth, confident, informative and highly trained.
- The Guest is Always Right -If they don’t like it, we swap it free of charge. We want our guests to be adventurous without fear.
- Washhouse is Fun – Disco toilets anyone?
- Washhouse is Interactive- Some of our cocktails require more than just drinking
- Washhouse is Creative – Imaginative drinkable art is throughout our menu
The Next Steps
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. Simply click below to find out more information and speak with a representative from the brand:
Manchester secret bar concept planning to open first franchise ahead of major expansion
Ahead of its expansion to UK cities and overseas, hidden bar concept Washhouse is looking to open its first franchise.
Launched by Patrick Hall and Jon Charles in 2015, The Washhouse presents as a regular launderette, with a dryer and vending machines concealing the entrance to a hidden cocktail bar. After operating successfully for a number of years, the founding duo have plans to expand and franchise.
We’re looking for a first franchise site opening in 2024,” Paul Hunter, franchise operations consultant at Seeds Consulting, told Propel. “We’re looking at major cities in the UK and key capital cities in Europe and the Middle East – places with a cool vibe like Amsterdam and Berlin. We don’t want more than one in any given city as it would devalue the concept and detract from its secret appeal. But we are starting to market it, having conversations, and there’s a lot of interest.” Hunter said in keeping with the “hidden bar” concept, Washhouse works on word of mouth, does not advertise and guests must book in advance.
“We loved the concept as soon as we saw it,” he added. “You don’t need a high street location, so there are great lease opportunities. The bar operates without food so the returns are fantastic, and the team instead focuses on producing phenomenal industry leading cocktails. Additional highlights include DJs playing in the toilets, a hidden slide and a cocktail that will land you in handcuffs. There’s a gap between experiential and premium that Washhouse fits into nicely.”
Washhouse Manchester
The Washhouse Bar
The Washhouse | The Concept
