Eclective Hospitality Group pursues acquisition of Farrier & Draper
- Eclective Hospitality Group, previously known as Press Up, is negotiating to acquire Farrier & Draper from Frank Gleeson.
- The talks are ongoing, with no deal finalized, and would mark Eclective's first acquisition since Cheyne Capital's takeover.
- If successful, the acquisition would expand Eclective's portfolio of 24 venues in Dublin, highlighting their growth strategy.
In Ireland, the Eclective Hospitality Group, which was previously known as Press Up, is in the process of negotiating a takeover of Farrier & Draper. This prominent bar and restaurant located in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in Dublin is currently owned by Frank Gleeson, a notable figure in the hospitality sector. The discussions surrounding this acquisition are ongoing, and as of now, no formal agreement has been reached between the parties involved. If the acquisition goes through, it will mark the first addition to Eclective's portfolio since the hospitality group came under the control of London-based investment firm Cheyne Capital in late 2024. Eclective Hospitality Group is currently managing a diverse range of venues across Dublin, totaling 24 establishments. This includes various types of dining options such as eight restaurants, seven bars, and casual dining chains including WowBurger, Captain Americas, and Elephant & Castle, along with the popular Stella Cinema Rathmines. The group's expansion plans indicate a strategic interest in enhancing its footprint in the competitive Dublin hospitality market, and acquiring a well-established venue like Farrier & Draper would contribute to this growth strategy. The discussions reflect the ongoing dynamism and competitive nature of the hospitality industry in Dublin, especially as the sector continues to recover post-pandemic. Following Cheyne Capital's takeover of Eclective, there has been a renewed focus on acquisitions that can strengthen the group’s market position and customer appeal. By potentially adding Farrier & Draper to their portfolio, Eclective seeks to capitalize on the brand recognition and customer base that the venue offers, which aligns with their overall strategy for growth. Although specific financial details and the timeline for the acquisition have not been disclosed, the outcome of these negotiations could have significant implications not only for Eclective but also for the broader hospitality sector in Dublin. As interest in dining and entertainment options remains high in the city, any shift in ownership can lead to changes in management style, branding, and operational approaches at the venue, ultimately affecting patrons and the market landscape.