The Wolverhampton city centre venue that is likened to a New York-esque loft bar

Jonny, originally from Wolverhampton had moved to London and at one stage was running 11 bars in the capital. But, after starting a family he decided to return back to his hometown where he also wanted to take on the challenge of trying to create a popular bar in a city centre where footfall has been a struggle for businesses.

Despite running almost a dozen bars at one stage, Jonny said taking on a bar in Wolverhampton and trying to make it a success is the toughest challenge he has faced, but it one he has relished.

He says: "This has been the biggest challenge yet, and I ran 11 bars in London but this is the biggest one.

"It is very difficult to make it a success, but we wanted to create a bar that people would notice and not people are beginning to.

"It is a team effort as well, I have a young family, my wife does the accountancy, I have my manager Richard, and together we have put a lot of hard work and heart into it."

Despite being hidden away, it has become a popular place with a range of customers.

It offers a wide selection of drinks including premium spirits and in particular, Japanese whiskeys, and they also offer arcade games, a traditional pinball machine, all which helps create a fun, vibrant atmosphere where everyone can have a bit of fun and enjoy their night.

The bar opened in March last year, and according to both Jonny and manager Richard, it was not an immediate success. It took time to get customers in and now they are thankful their hard work and commitment to the business and dedication to creating a vibrant nightlife in Wolverhampton a key to the success.

Sharing more on what it was like when the bar first opened, Jonny adds: "It was a lockdown when I moved back to Wolves from London.

"During the time in London I had worked in areas that needed rejuvenating and so I thought it Wolverhampton needs a change, I would be willing to take that risk.

"I was on a very tight budget too, but luckily I was able to reach an agreement with the landlord of the place, got to work making changes and doing it all myself to get it how I wanted.

"Now complete, it has an American influence, like a vintage New York loft bar, with a live stage, arcade games, a pinball machine and retro games.

"I have been so determined to create something here and make s success of it.

"It was not easy, I will say that. It was a struggle in the first few months but I knew that I have such a diverse and different crowd and so I used word of mouth to create a space that would get the clientele that I wanted here.

"Using marketing and customer service skills, I had to try and get the word out there about this place, and thankfully, it has really exploded in the last few months.

"We have a fantastic relationship with the Wolves fans too, and so on the home games they are brilliant and are here having fun.

"People love the retro music that we place which is so diverse and wide-ranging, it caters for everyone."

Richard Brown, the manager of the Dive Bar, shares the same sentiment to Jonny, in that he wanted to have a space in Wolverhampton that would be a success, in a city that isn't known for a great night life, but being a cosmopolitan city, they both felt that it should.

Richard adds: "I have always worked in Wolves, and previously had my own restaurant, the Hungry Bistro near the bus station.

"Both me and Jonny have passion for local, independent businesses and so this is what drives us.

"We have gig nights, local bands, or bands from further afield.

"It helps that we both have the same drive and passion for the city and it allows to work great together."

The bar is hosting a festival in partnership with London brewers, Signature Brew, where there will be live music, DJs, food and drink over the bank holiday weekend.

Anyone interested in visiting the bar can check out the website here: divewolves.co.uk

Or visit the bar at: DIVE 3rd Floor Exchange Vaults, Exchange St, Wolverhampton WV1 1TS