Gareth Bale-owned Par 59 acquired by Lane7

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Lane7 Group has acquired the Par 59 business, including its sites in Cardiff and Bristol, marking a shift for the competitive socialising brand as its founding partners turn their attention to new ventures.

Par 59 launched in March 2022 as a joint venture between Elevens Group, co-owned by former Cymru international Gareth Bale and Jamie Humphrys, and DEPOT.

The concept quickly gained traction in the growing competitive socialising sector, combining mini golf with food and drink in a city-centre setting.

Its Cardiff venue played a role in revitalising a long-vacant site on St Mary Street, later expanding with the addition of the upstairs ‘Shuffles’ bar in 2023, before the brand extended its footprint to Bristol.

The deal signals what the founding partners describe as a natural transition point. Elevens Group will continue to focus on its broader commercial activities, including operating Elevens Bar & Grill on Castle Street.

Meanwhile, DEPOT Group is maintaining its emphasis on Cardiff’s live music and events market, including its 2,000-capacity venue and programming through DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle and Blackweir Fields.

Under the terms of the acquisition, the Cardiff Par 59 site will temporarily close for refurbishment before reopening the Lane7 brand. The Bristol venue will continue to operate תחת the Par 59 name.

Jamie Humphrys, co-owner of Elevens Group, said: “Par 59 has been a brilliant part of Cardiff’s hospitality scene over the last few years, and we’re incredibly proud of what was created there in partnership with DEPOT.

“From day one, the aim was to bring something fun, high-quality and genuinely exciting into the city centre, and it’s been fantastic to see so many people come through the doors and enjoy it with us.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in the venue – including Gareth, the staff and customers – and everyone who supported Par 59 along the way. We’re proud of what the brand achieved, and this felt like the right time to hand it on.”

Nick Saunders, founder of DEPOT, said: “Together with Elevens Group, we built a brand with real momentum in Cardiff and Bristol, but the opportunity to sell came at the right time for all parties.

“For DEPOT, it allows us to stay focused on the areas where we see the biggest opportunity for growth and impact, particularly live music, major events and large-scale experiences in Cardiff.

“We remain hugely ambitious about what we’re building, and proud of the role Par 59 has played in that wider story.”

Lane7 Group, which operates a portfolio of competitive socialising venues across the UK, said the acquisition aligns with its growth strategy as the market continues to evolve.

Gavin Hughes, Managing Director of Lane7 Group, said: “Par 59 is a strong business with two well-established sites, and we’re pleased to be taking it forward in Bristol whilst expanding our Lane7 brand in Cardiff.

“We believe our differentiated positioning puts us in a strong position to continue making the most of opportunities like these, which we expect to continue over the next 24 months as the market matures and consolidates further.”