City restaurant expands operations with new cocktail bar and entertainment venue
A newly opened restaurant in Exeter is proving to be such a draw for customers that the owners are pushing ahead with expansion plans ahead of schedule. As a result, Casa Maroc – which serves traditional Moroccan and Italian cuisine in its city centre restaurant – will launch Casablanca Lounge Bar, a new cocktail bar and live entertainment venue, in the basement of the extensively renovated Old Malthouse on Bartholomew Street East, on 12 September.
Offering classic cocktails, fine wines and speciality beers in a sumptuously styled and unique interior that takes inspiration from all around the world, Casablanca Lounge Bar will feature live music and entertainment every night from Sunday to Thursday, followed by resident DJs playing a mix of music – including disco and dance classics, Latin and soul – every Friday and Saturday nights to an over 25s crowd.
Mario Souayah, owner of Casa Maroc, said that the impetus to launch Casablanca Lounge Bar ahead of schedule has been driven by interest from customers: "I have achieved in one month what it took me almost a year to achieve with another restaurant business in Exeter. Casablanca Lounge Bar will be a unique and lively addition to the city’s nightlife, one that satisfies the need for a ‘grown-up’ venue for people wanting to have fun in style.”
A vibrant and luxurious space, Casablanca Lounge Bar will fulfil the needs of those wanting a more sophisticated night out. “Exeter as a city is changing - the 18-25 market is well catered for in terms of nightlife but there’s not much for the older crowd looking for a great night out in the city,” said Mario. “We are dedicated to being responsive to our customers, to giving people more choice, so have created a venue that people can rely on to provide a mix of live entertainment throughout the week as well as a place to really let their hair down at the weekend.”
Mario continued: “We opened the restaurant very quietly, with no marketing or publicity, but it created quite a stir because there was so much activity, and our outside seating area helped to raise interest in the city. People came to eat, then brought their friends and we have gone from there. It’s all been through word of mouth. We decided to move forward with the plans to open Casablanca Lounge Bar because customers started booking the space for private events and Christmas parties.”
Entertainment at Casablanca Lounge Bar during the week will range from live jazz, blues and acoustic sets to stand-up comedy and performance. From Friday 13 September, DJ Strange James will present ‘Hectic Eclectic: a 20th Century Disco’, spinning the best in 70s, 80s and 90s disco/dance classics every Friday night. Every Saturday night, DJ A.H. will be playing the freshest Nu Disco and House releases alongside classic soulful, Latin and funky grooves.
From 10am, seven days a week, Casablanca Lounge Bar is available to hire for private parties and functions. Call 01392 498181
Casablanca Lounge Bar & Casa Maroc, The Old Malthouse, Bartholomew Street East, Exeter EX4 3BG. www.casamaroc.co.uk 01392 498181
