Urban Leisure to open new concept in North London next month


Premium bar and restaurant group, Urban Leisure is set to launch a new restaurant-bar concept, Never For Ever, in North London's Kentish Town, this March.

The expansive 6,500 sq ft space at 79 Highgate Road – formerly occupied by Pizza East, Dirty Burger and Chicken Shop – was leased by Shelley Sandzer, on behalf of landlord London Buildings.

Split across two floors, comprising a 3,500 sq ft basement and 3,000 sq ft ground floor, Never For Ever will create a community focused space, featuring a common room space and live music, with home-brewed beers, wine, and cocktails on tap.

Offering delicious simple dishes from two wood-fired ovens, Never For Ever will embrace sustainability, seasonality, and quality, including homemade pizzas alongside large plates, classic bar snacks and locally-sourced charcuterie.

Featuring a selection of curated contemporary art from both established and up and coming illustrators, the venue fit-out has been designed in-house by the Urban Leisure Group team.

Never For Ever will join the group's other 9 venues including The Elgin in Maida Vale, Ask for Janice in Smithfield, and Heist Bank in Paddington.

Urban Leisure Group Founder and Director, Hezi Yechiel commented, “When the site for Never For Ever came up, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring a fun and fresh new local to the Kentish Town area.

'The space, bringing together three former venues, provides the ideal arena to encapsulate our community-led concept. With support from Shelley Sandzer we were able to agree this letting in record time; we can’t wait to see our idea become reality.”

Ted Schama, Managing Partner at Shelley Sandzer, added, “Urban Leisure Group have numerous proven, successful venues in north London – including Alice House in Queens Park and The Elgin in Maida Vale.

'The former Pizza East seemed like a perfect fit, in tune with their target audience. London Buildings were delighted and the deal was one of the quickest in recent times, concluding in less than two months.”