Media office

Two of the city’s most prolific nightlife operators today announced plans to invest £1 million in the re-development of their multi-award winning venue, Mechu.

Keith Williams and Mark Jones are shutting the doors to Mechu on Saturday 16th June following five-years of successful trade in its current guise as a bar, restaurant and late lounge. On Saturday 1st September, just ten weeks away, they will have refreshed and reinvented one of Birmingham’s most stylish independent entertainment destinations.

Speaking about their plans Williams commented: “We are responding to the increasingly sophisticated demands of our customers and feel that the new concept reflects the future of their social habits,” explains Williams.

“We will be streamlining the existing ground floor units, formerly Mechu bar and Mix Brasserie, in order to create an effortlessly enjoyable experience for guests. With exposed brick work, flaming candles and deep purple timber flooring it will be reminiscent of a New York grill with masses of design character and ambient seating.”

Guests will be able to enjoy food, drink and even ice-cream sundaes in the new
bar-grill but will not be under any pressure to dress up and dine formally as Williams explains:

“Visiting the bar-grill will be about enjoying simple pleasures; beautifully fresh ingredients combined with unfussy presentation. Elegant cuts of the finest meat will be cooked to guest’s own personal preference; seared, grilled or blistering with flavour from the coals. It’s all about relaxing with friends, drinking and eating good, wholesome food.”

By contrast, the upper level at Mechu will take a radically different direction, becoming a private VIP club lounge that is only accessible by invitation of the management. With a stylish nod to the sixties, the interior is a visual treat. Think Mary Quant deluxe with a dash of Paco Rabanne.

“The VIP club lounge takes the concept of exclusivity to new levels and entrance is by invitation only,” says Williams. “This is a radical advancement for Birmingham nightlife but one that is proving to be very popular on the London and New York club scene.”

“We proudly present the champagne bar in partnership with Dom Perignon one of the world’s most esteemed champagne houses. Branded private booths: The Moet Booth, The Dom Perignon Booth, The Veuve Cliquot Booth and the ultimate, the Cristal Booth, will be exclusively available to hire. Mechu Club will also play host to a number of sophisticated events including Model Society, a chic gathering for creative types and fashionistas, to be held every month on a Wednesday.”

As business partners and co-founders of Town&Country Inns and Après Bars UK, Williams and Jones uncompromising standards of luxury and innovation have dominated the Midland’s nightlife scene for over thirty-years. Mechu was originally launched as part of the Summerrow development in November 2002 and quickly established an International reputation, attracting numerous celebrities and high profile private events.

Seeking inspiration from across the globe is a secret weapon in their formula for success. “It’s not enough to look at what the bar down the road is doing,” explains Mark Jones. “This is a fast moving industry and average ideas become old-hat within a matter of months. True staying power demands an open mind and a willingness to break out of your comfort zone. The benefit to guests is uncompromising quality in terms of design, style and service.”