Slug & Lettuce at 40 - here's how it's celebrating

One of the most recognisable bar brands on the high street is turning 40 this month, with plenty of plans to celebrate the milestone. 

Stonegate Group’s Slug & Lettuce brand first opened its doors in 1985, but now boasts 77 locations across the UK.

To mark the occasion, a series of celebrations are being rolled out, including new cocktail menus, themed brunches and exclusive collaborations. 

The brand will serve nine iconic cocktails, including some fan favourites from the past and new additions, and launch a 'cocktail forest' of shareable options.

In addition to the limited-time drink offerings, Slug & Lettuce will be offering birthday-themed brunches, including a nostalgic 90s vs 00s event. It has also partnered with Millie’s Cookies to celebrate both brands' 40th birthdays, offering 40% off cookies when you order the Millie’s on Your Mind cocktail.

"Slug & Lettuce has evolved into a true staple of the British high street, beloved by generations of guests," says Stonegate Group CEO David McDowall. "From its humble beginnings in 1985 to its continued reinvention today, it has worked hard to continue offering modern, vibrant spaces for guests to come together and enjoy great food, drinks and experiences. As we celebrate 40 years of success, we’re more committed than ever to Slug’s development."

The history of Slug & Lettuce

Hugh Corbett opened the first Slug & Lettuce on Islington Green in London in 1985, an era when the pub environment was very traditional.

Slug & Lettuce introduced a more youthful, modern and female-friendly design, setting it apart from other pubs. By focusing on providing a contemporary, welcoming space for both men and women, the brand quickly gained popularity.

Over the years, Slug & Lettuce has continued to evolve and reinvent itself. With continuous investment in key sites, including the recent six-figure investment in Slug & Lettuce's new Glasgow location at the former Missoula site back in October, as well as York Riverside in March, the brand aims to remain a cornerstone of the UK’s bar scene.

More projects are on the way, including six-figure investments planned for sites like Slug & Lettuce Lincoln and Newcastle Central, as Stonegate continues rolling out the brand’s new look across the estate. 

Overall, Stonegate has invested more than £5m in the last 18 months in transforming key sites, including Slug & Lettuce Deansgate, Birmingham Brindley Place, Solihull, Albert Square, County Hall, Glasgow, Hanover Street, York Riverside and Oxford Circus. 

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