Angel Central opens first sports bar

Maven Leisure’s Northwood sports bar concept has opened at CBRE IM’s Angel Central in Islington.

The 3,600 sq ft unit on the first floor becomes Angel Central’s first purpose-built sports bar, and opens in time to host fans for the Rugby World Cup.

Northwood will host 12 ultra high-definition screens and look to elevate Angel Central’s dining and leisure offer alongside anchor tenants Vue and the O2 Academy music venue.

Maven Leisure, which as founded in 2021 by the current owners of ETM Group, currently operates over 15 dining venues and sports bars across the capital, including Goldwood, The Jugged Hare, The Botanist, and rooftop venues Wagtail and Aviary.

The 176-cover Northwood pub will be the group’s first venture into North London, and offer a range of food inspired by classic sports bar options.

Louisa Butters, head of retail asset management UK at CBRE Investment Management, said: “Northwood is a fantastic addition to Angel Central. It will act as an anchor for the local community, enrich our visitor experience, and complement our existing tenants on the first floor, creating an exciting leisure hub within Islington. Our vision for the first floor of Angel Central has really come to life since the refurbishment, and Northwood is now a big part of that, delivering a fun and entertaining concept that all our visitors can enjoy.”

Maven Leisure dealt direct. CBRE and Colliers act for Angel Central.