03-07-2025
Famous Channel 4 restaurant is being transformed into flagship bar with wine vending machines – and it opens next month
A FAMOUS restaurant featured in a hit Channel 4 show is being transformed into a swanky London wine bar.
The restaurant, which is one of the most recognisable in the UK, is set to reopen in August, after a huge revamp.
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The St Paul's establishment, which featured in the first 15 series of the hit dating show First Dates, will become trendy wine bar chain Vagabond's new flagship site.
Wine vending machines
Vagabond, which opened its first Wine Bar back in 2010, allows customers to serve themselves, using clever wine vending machines.
Customers can spend as long as they like perusing the wide selection of reds, whites and rosés, before tapping their debit cards on the machines once they've made their choice.
Wine will then pour out of a tap into your glass, with customers able to choose from various different sizes.
The site in Paternoster Square will be the first Vagabond location to open since it was acquired by Majestic Wines in 2024.
110 wines on offer
It will serve a selection of 110 different wines, with space for over 250 guests.
Peckish customers will also be able to snack on a selection of small plates including cheese and charcuterie.
Christobell Giles, Managing Director at Vagabond, said: 'We are incredibly proud to be opening in such a special spot and cannot wait to welcome guests in for their first glass — whether it is a first date, a fiftieth, or just a glass on your own while the world goes by.
"After a brilliant first year with Majestic, this is a really exciting step forward for us at Vagabond.'
The new wine bar is set to open in August, but if you're keen to visit Vagabond before then at one of their other UK locations, such as London Victoria or Battersea Power Station.
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More restaurants and bars opening in the UK
A major American fast food chain is opening four new locations in the UK over the next month.
Slim Chickens is renowned for its mouth-watering fried chicken dishes, with many fans claiming it's "better than KFC".
A new restaurant opened in Swansea on June 26, with a branch in Ealing, West London opening on July 2.
Walton will get its own branch on July 10, whilst a restaurant will open in Birmingham's Utilita Arena on July 24.
First Dates cast
Fred Sirieix
Fred is the charismatic French maître d'hôtel who hosts First Dates. He has a rich background in the hospitality industry, with over 30 years of experience. Fred has been part of the reality show since 2015 and his charming personality helps to put punters going on the dates at ease.
Merlin Griffiths
Merlin is the bartender on First Dates. His friendly presence and expert mixology skills contribute to the show's warm atmosphere. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Merlin was in the bar industry for over two decades before offering his services to the Channel 4 series. Outside of First Dates, Merlin also owns and operates his own bar.
Cici Coleman
Cici is the show's outgoing waitress. She trained as an actress before joining the cast of First Dates, which lends theatrical flair to her role. Her ability to make guests feel at ease, coupled with her genuine interest in their stories, has endeared her to viewers. Outside of her work on First Dates, Cici continues to pursue her passion for acting and fitness, often sharing insights into her life and career on social media.
A BBC celebrity chef known for appearances on Saturday Kitchen is also opening a new restaurant following the closure of his previous Michelin Star eatery.
The TV personality is teaming up with a wine expert to create an experience where you can eat "the way you want, without rules".
Glynn Purnell, a top Birmingham chef, will open a new venue called Trillium alongside Loki Wine expert Phil Innes at Snow Hill, London.
The new spot will offer seasonal dishes paired with a "dynamic, ever-evolving" wine list, which guests are invited to enjoy in whatever dinning format they chose.
Glynn said: "At Trillium, choice is everything. We want guests to explore the menu in whatever way suits them — whether that's a classic three-course meal or a custom selection of sharing plates.
"It's about dining the way you want to, without rules."
