An eliminated candidate from BBC's The Apprentice is boldly disregarding Lord Alan Sugar's direct advice to remain in his professional career, instead pursuing an ambitious venture to open a distinctive pub in South London. Priyesh Bathia, who faced the notorious "You're fired!" dismissal after Lord Sugar and advisors Karren Brady and Tim Campbell critiqued his mobile cocktail business during the interview stage, has now announced his partnership in launching The Elephant & Barrel in Stockwell.
From Corporate Background to Pub Ownership
Priyesh Bathia, a former account manager at PwC, is collaborating with three business partners to transform the former Royal Oak pub, which is owned by Heineken subsidiary Star Pubs. The establishment is undergoing a substantial £495,000 refurbishment and is scheduled to reopen in early June as The Elephant & Barrel, marking a significant career pivot for Bathia despite Lord Sugar's cautionary words.
A Unique Anglo-Indian Fusion Concept
The new pub on Clapham Road aims to creatively merge traditional British pub culture with the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. The menu will celebrate both culinary traditions, offering a diverse range of dishes that appeal to a broad audience. Patrons can expect a lively atmosphere featuring pub quizzes, live music performances, and televised sports matches, complemented by an extensive selection of local beers, craft ales, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Outside, the venue will include a dynamic food truck serving a rotating array of items such as pizzas, jerk chicken, chicken tikka, and seasonal specials. The outdoor space is designed to accommodate nearly 200 guests across various tables and benches, creating a spacious beer garden environment.
Signature Animatronic Elephant Attraction
A standout feature of The Elephant & Barrel will be a giant robotic elephant, meticulously handmade in Kerala, India, which will adorn the front entrance. This animatronic, life-sized elephant will be decorated for different occasions and events; for example, it will sport an England flag and jersey during the World Cup, adding a unique and interactive element that is expected to delight both children and adults.
Priyesh Bathia emphasized the community-focused vision, stating, "The Elephant & Barrel will be family and dog-friendly, somewhere for the whole community to come together. Each Elephant & Barrel pub is a real local, with the added appeal of Indian dishes and a signature animatronic life-sized elephant, which children and adults love."
Expansion Plans and Franchise Considerations
The Elephant & Barrel concept was originally founded by Kumar Pillai and Yogesh Datta, with Priyesh Bathia and Karan Datta joining the venture more recently. Currently, there are two existing branches located in Fulham and Felixstowe, which have reportedly achieved considerable success.
Bathia revealed strategic long-term ambitions for the brand, noting, "We have big plans for the brand long term, but are taking expansion steadily, ensuring each pub is well established before taking on another site. We are also considering developing a franchise option." This cautious approach aims to build a solid foundation before pursuing further growth.
Support from Star Pubs
Dugald Macer, regional operations director at Star Pubs, expressed strong support for the new venture, commenting, "We're delighted that Priyesh, Kumar, Yogesh, and Karan are taking on what was The Royal Oak. Their Elephant & Barrel sites in Fulham and Felixstowe have been a great success, and I am confident it will be the same in Stockwell."
Macer added, "The menu will provide the best of British and Indian dishes, and there will be a wide selection of premium drinks, including Brixton Brewery favourites. I look forward to being one of the first to take a selfie next to the elephant when The Elephant & Barrel reopens, and to helping the group further with their expansion ambitions."
As The Apprentice prepares for its series finale on BBC One next Thursday at 9pm, Priyesh Bathia's entrepreneurial journey serves as a compelling example of defying conventional advice to pursue personal business dreams in London's competitive hospitality scene.
