North West Deals Richard Frost

Revolution Vodka Bar founders Roy Ellis and Neil Macleod have bought a 50 per cent stake in bar operator Trof Group with a view to opening the "best entertainment venues and bars in the world" under a newly formed company, starting with the grade II-listed Albert Hall in Manchester city centre.

The first project for the new company, called Mission Mars, is the £3.5m opening of Albert's Schloss on the ground floor of the 3,000-capacity Albert Hall on Peter Street.

Albert Hall has been operated for two years as a live entertainment venue by Trof Group, hosting more than 130 sell-out events, including gigs by Sam Smith, the Manic Street Preachers and The Script.

Ellis said: "Our new company, Mission Mars, has been formed to create the best entertainment venues and bars in the world. We aim to have the very best venues to work in, be entertained in, and invest in."

Trof Group, which was founded by Joel Wilkinson and Adelaide Winter, has a £6m annual turnover and also operates Trof bar, Gorilla and Deaf Institute.

Wilkinson said: "We operate some of Manchester's most successful and exciting venues with Gorilla and Deaf Institute firmly established on the live band and club scene. When we acquired the 3,000-capacity Albert Hall on Peter Street we knew of only two people who had the knowledge and experience that could help us achieve our ambitious dreams for this beautiful and iconic Manchester landmark.

"The addition of Albert's Schloss to Albert Hall completes the vision we had back in 2008 when we opened the Deaf Institute. It was our dream to have beautiful venues, hosting world-class entertainment with hospitality, food and drink to match.

"We can't wait to open the doors and invite music lovers in to enjoy an incredible experience, the only one of its kind in the UK. We are also going to be offering private parties, corporate events and conferences along with the weddings we launched last year."

Albert's Schloss will feature freshly brewed Pilsner Urquell delivered direct by tanker direct from the Czech Republic every week and onsite blended schnapps made in a specially created vault.

The food menu, curated by group executive chef director Dan Mullen, will contain items of Bavarian, Bohemian and Alpine origin with contemporary twists in addition to other modern classics and will have an in-house bakery providing fresh bread, pretzels, pastries and puddings.

Live music and an eclectic mix of performers will feature most nights on the stage and at weekends from 10pm.

Albert's Schloss is set to launch in mid-October.