A Nottingham businessman has gone from letting city centre premises to backing a fast-growing coffee shop and bakery to the tune of a seven-figure sum.
Together, ALB Group and Public are breathing new life into Britain’s high streets.
Arran Bailey, founder of ALB Group, first let his Low Pavement building to Public in Nottingham in August 2024. But after witnessing the buzz and business acumen behind the brand, he became a shareholder and offered a substantial loan to fuel its growth.
He said: “I’ve seen the passion and skill behind this brand first-hand. That’s why I invested financially. The investment also continues my mission of rejuvenating our city and town centres.”
The investment has already secured the opening date of the new Leicester branch and enabled the purchase of a freehold property in Edinburgh to continue the businesses expansion.
Public Leicester will open in the city’s New Walk area as part of its £10 million regeneration scheme.
The store will continue the brand’s ethos of bringing people of all ages together in a social space served by a high-quality food and drink offering.
Founder Raffaele Russo describes the concept as combining welcoming interiors, conducive to socialising and co-working, with exceptional food and drink.
He said: “Each venue features a theatrical on-site bakery, communal tables for co-working, and a vibrant social atmosphere that attracts students, professionals, and shoppers alike.
“It’s a place to relax, collaborate, and connect. Everything is made in full view of the customer—it’s part of the experience.”
It’s a concept that has already thrived in Loughborough, Mountsorrel and Nottingham, with the Low Pavement, Nottingham branch, for instance, has drawn over 5000 customers a week since its launch in August 2024.
The company expansion is set to continue with clusters planned across the Midlands and Scotland. After Leicester will come Edinburgh, then it’s eyes on Manchester, Leeds, Bath, and Bristol. The team says Public is on track to hit double-digit locations by the end of 2026.
Arran Bailey said: “It is important to us that we open in cities and towns that will benefit from a sense of community and regeneration. In buildings that perhaps are difficult to repurpose for some reason or another. We want the building to be cultural anchors. So far, we have repurposed old banks, mills, cinemas, and even a former bingo hall in Edinburgh. Each location is designed to preserve the architectural character of the building in which it is housed.
In Nottingham, Public is housed in a Grade II listed former bank which dates to 1836. Arran said the building had been empty for years. Now it is a hub and one that has created jobs as well as providing a service.
When the Leicester site opens, a further 25 people will be employed, contributing to a total of 125 roles across all current venues.
ALB Group’s broader regeneration efforts are transforming city centres up and down the country. In Nottingham alone, ALB has reignited the buzz of Bridlesmith Gate, gradually buying 14 business premises in pedestrian street and creating vibrant murals to bring about a ‘Carnaby vibe’ to the area. The acquisitions and
regeneration soon spread to Low Pavement and Lister Gate – all of the ALB properties are now let or under offer.
Arran said: “Public has been the perfect anchor to let other buildings in the area. Its success is well deserved and seeing queues up the street from 8 til 8 is proof that the high street can thrive again.”
The turnaround in fortunes has encouraged big names to other buildings in the location too. The Ivy opened its doors in Bridlesmith Gate, while high end designer Paul Smith has always seen the merit of the area.
