The Business Section of The Worcester Citizen is kindly sponsored by The Kiln – Affordable coworking for Worcester’s remote workers.
Worcester’s independent food and drink scene is set for further change, with a new sports bar opening near Angel Mall and an Italian restaurant planned for Friar Street.
The arrivals offer fresh options for people looking to spend time and money in the city centre, at a time when hospitality businesses across the country face pressure from rising costs and challenging trading conditions.
Social Sticks has opened following a 10-week renovation, bringing a mix of sport, games and barbecue food to the Angel Mall area.
The venue combines indoor golf simulator bays and interactive darts with large screens showing live sporting events. The concept centres on competitive socialising, offering customers the chance to take part in activities alongside food and drink rather than simply watching sport.
Food is being provided through a partnership with Smokey Joe’s BBQ. The menu focuses on live-fire cooking, smoked meats and barbecue flavours.
The opening adds another option to Worcester’s leisure and hospitality offer, with the combination of interactive games and live sport aimed at groups looking for something different from a traditional pub visit.
Meanwhile, La Contessa is set to bring another Italian dining option to Friar Street, one of the city centre’s best-known streets for historic buildings and independent businesses.
The restaurant will join an established local food and drink scene that includes The Conservatory Bar and Cafe Piano, while adding to the choice of Italian restaurants already available in the city.
Among its competitors are Pasta di Piazza on Broad Street and Impasto on St Swithin’s Street, both of which contribute to Worcester’s existing Italian dining offer.
The arrival of another restaurant in this part of the city will add to the competition for customers, while giving residents and visitors another option when choosing where to eat.
Independent hospitality businesses play an important role in the character of Worcester’s city centre, providing places for people to meet, eat and socialise while helping to maintain activity in its historic streets.
The success of new arrivals will depend on attracting customers in a competitive market, but their openings also demonstrate continued investment in the city’s food, drink and leisure offer.
The new venues will offer Worcester residents more choice, with Social Sticks combining sport, games and food, while La Contessa is set to add to the city’s Italian dining scene.
Worcester Citizen is an independent local news publication focused on the people, places and issues that matter to our community.
