{
  "id": 15555577,
  "title": "La Cage: The new bougie Kensington sports bar trying to change the game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/la-cage-the-new-bougie-kensington-sports-bar-trying-to-change-the-game",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/la-cage-the-new-bougie-kensington-sports-bar-trying-to-change-the-game/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London's luxury sports bar scene has recently gained a new player with the opening of La Cage Montreal Sports Brasserie on Kensington High Street. The establishment, launched by Canadian entrepreneur Jean Bedard, is differentiating itself from traditional sports bars by offering a more upscale and international ambiance. Bedard's decision to move away from the United States to Europe, specifically France and now London, is based on the belief that there is a strong demand for a heightened sports experience in the latter.\n\nBedard acknowledges that the real estate market in London is highly competitive, stating that it is expensive to secure a prime location. However, he believes that La Cage's location in the affluent Knightsbridge-Belgravia area is intentional, as it allows the bar to offer a unique experience to customers. The bar's decor is described as being on par with the area's high-end standards, which sets it apart from the more conventional sports bar booths found elsewhere in London.\n\nThe atmosphere at La Cage is described as relaxed, catering to an international clientele. The bar's focus on providing an elevated experience is supported by Bedard's belief that there are more sports fans in London compared to France. In fact, Bedard cites a consultant who suggested that if Bedard's venture succeeds in the south of France, it could also thrive in London. Despite the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney bonding over a football game in Liverpool, Bedard maintains that the US market presents challenges for his business model, making Europe a more natural choice for expansion.\n\nWith London already being an established investment market, Bedard remains optimistic about the potential for additional La Cage locations in the city. He mentions the possibility of opening another bar in London or even in Manchester, contingent on the initial success and market reception. While the bar may not appeal to everyone and may not match the experience of more established establishments like The Britannia, which marks its 200th anniversary in the near future, La Cage's commitment to offering a distinct sports experience appears to position it as a notable addition to Kensington's sports bar landscape.",
  "summary": "Does London need another sports bar? The capital is hardly short of a spot or two to chill out (or rage) and indulge in the big Premier League match, cricket showdown or Formula 1 race. Well it’s got one, and it is fair to say it’s purposely positioning itself in a different lane. Because the [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}