The Wolverhampton city centre venue that is likened to a New York-esque loft bar
As pubs continue to battle the cost of living crisis, the Express & Star continues its Love Your Local series which celebrates our local inns.
The Dive Bar in Wolverhampton is tucked away in the third floor of the Exchange Vaults but has fast become one of the most popular bars in the the city, and it has all been de to sheer hard work according to the owner, Jonny Kraska.
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.
