Albert’s Shed is expanding its hospitality provision and raising the profile of Telford as a leisure destination after securing the lease on a new Southwater unit.
Live music venue Albert’s Shed made a big impression when it opened for four months at Southwater before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the closure of entertainment venues across the UK in early 2020.
But now the Albert brand is aiming to return stronger than ever after securing Unit 3 Park Avenue in Southwater, located under the Travelodge, which will allow the business to increase its bar and hospitality offering in Telford town centre.
The new venue, called Albert & Co Fairground, is taking on a different identity and style to attract customers.
It will build on and complement the successful Albert & Co Frankville, formerly Albert’s Pour House, which is going from strength-to-strength in Frankwell, Shrewsbury.
Albert & Co Fairground will be based on a vintage fairground theme with authentic fairground and circus artefacts and spectacular visuals both inside and on an extended area outside.
An eat-in and takeaway menu will be launched at the venue along with a selection of milkshakes and cocktails, craft beers and a comprehensive wine selection.
The lake-side venue will include entertainment including acoustic acts, pianists and potentially vinyl DJs playing background music.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Regeneration and the High Street, said: “Before the pandemic, Albert’s Shed was proving to be a successful and professionally run venue which was a great addition to Southwater.
“The lease of unit 3 will now enable the business to go to the next level in terms of its offering and the Albert & Co team have a wealth of industry experience and excellent reputation for thinking outside the box to deliver successful leisure facilities.
“Albert & Co Fairground will be an excellent addition to Southwater and will be located in a fantastic town centre setting for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
David Gregg, Albert’s Shed Head of Operations, said: “After establishing Albert’s Shed as a valuable addition to Southwater and Telford in general, our momentum was thwarted by Covid.
“But in the time we operated, we were excited to be playing a significant role in boosting the town’s reputation as a destination for a quality night out.
“I am confident that Albert & Co Fairground will build on that success and further enhance Southwater’s reputation, whilst offering a venue which will share Albert’s Shed’s high standards and also offer some unexpected and exciting elements not previously offered in Telford.”
