Acquisition: Cardiff nightclub Story acquired by REKOM

New chapter for Cardiff’s Story

Late night club and bar operator REKOM has secured its fifth venue in Cardiff following the acquisition of Story nightclub.

The deal for the Greyfriars Road venue follows hot on the heels of REKOM’s purchase of the city’s former Yard Bar, which is now undergoing a £1.2m transformation into the UK’s first Proud Mary Pub.

Creating 30 new jobs, the 1,400 capacity Story will reopen as District this month (September) in time for Freshers and complement REKOM’s neighbouring superclub PRYZM, with alternative event-led music entertainment. 

REKOM’s country Executive Director, Russell Quelch, said: “Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving late night economy and is a key part of REKOM’s expansion strategy across the UK.  District means we can build on our cluster of businesses in the Welsh capital, which now range from our après ski themed Heidi’s Bier Bar to two nightclubs, party bar Steinbeck & Shaw and modern pub, Proud Mary, offering something for everyone.

“We believe Cardiff can accommodate two clubs of PRYZM and District’s size, giving us the scope to put on a wider range of events and cater for more of the late night market in the city.”

As with all REKOM businesses, District’s staff will be trained in the company’s guest care and safety policy, We Care.  In its nightclubs this approach includes a safety net system, where all possible steps are taken to look after guests, from guest care ambassadors to qualified first aiders and a separate medical room, to a taxi escort service and free phone charging stations. 

Russell added: “At REKOM we have a guest first philosophy, where safety and creating memorable, fun nights out are our top priorities.  District will be opening in time for Freshers, where leaving home and going out clubbing will be a new experience.  This is something we are very aware of as a business and our strength comes from the care we offer our guests.”

REKOM operates over 200 bars, pubs and clubs internationally and 49 in the UK.  In addition to the five venues in Cardiff, other venues in Wales include ATIK Wrexham and Fiction Swansea with a Proud Mary Pub also scheduled to open in Swansea in early 2023.