QX had a chat with Nieko to ask him about the new LGBTQ+ bar in Clapham he’s been working on, called Arch.
Hey Nieko, QX knows you well, for those that don’t, tell us something about yourself.
Hey boys! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Nice to be talking about new things again! Erm, well, I’ve worked in Soho for a couple of the biggest, gorgeous, brands for the last decade – I guess this is my first real venture out of central, which is very exciting!
When did you decide to open a bar and how have you adjusted to these crazy times?
It’s been in the works for a few months! I’ve been working together with the Mark and Nigel, from FETCH. We’ve always had a love for the gay scene in Clapham, and think it deserves even more options, especially in these times when there’s such uncertainty. We want to kind of say, ‘hey, it’s still okay out there, come and have some fun’.
What’s the concept behind the bar and how is it influenced by the relationship with Fetch?
We are proud to say ARCH is totally built around the ‘new normal’ way of socialising, of interacting, of seeing each other. It is a complete hybrid food and drink venue for every occasion – from daytime ‘Working From Arch’, to evening socials, weekend brunches and even Sunday Roasts! All within a haven of safety and social distancing measures that have been thought through from the ground up. FETCH has proved that a solid brand ethos and good quality service is what consumers and the scene want, so we are totally translating that over to ARCH.
Mark and Nigel from FETCH, you’ve had great success with FETCH – what made you want to move over into a bar?
We always had that vision from the start. We always thought of FETCH as a lifestyle, an experience, something that added to peoples lives. FETCH is more than a retail store. We wanted to really add to the gay scene in Clapham, enabling it to be it’s own hub outside of central. Opening ARCH is a continuation of that experience. It allows us to further enhance the LGBTQ+ lifestyle in Clapham
What will you be offering your customers, and will the bar boys just be wearing undies?
Every kind of dish, cocktail, and event you can think of! We want to put the magic back into the food and drink experience, with seasonal specials, takeaway options, and huge weekend events planned. We want to provide a little social beacon for the scene. Haha, not quite yet with the undies – but you never know in the future!
What are your ambitions for the future?
Ensuring ARCH is exactly what people want and need, of course! We have months worth of events planned which we can’t wait to reveal to everyone. There are also maybe some other secret projects in the works, but for now, we’ll have to just keep you updated on our opening date, of which there will be several events! We really can’t wait to see you all.
Arch 642, Voltaire Road, Clapham, SW4 6DH (Next door to FETCH and The Bridge Bar). It will open at the end of October. QX will keep you posted.
