The Vault: pop-up bar in Paradox's underground bank vault

The Vault Worcester is deep beneath Paradox Barbers, Paradox Streetwear and Secret Aesthetics at the historic former bank at 13 The Foregate in The Hopmarket.

It was possibly one of the city's best kept secrets until now - and tickets are already available to buy ahead of the launch party this Christmas. 

HISTORIC: The Vault Worcester - a pop-up bar - will open beneath Paradox at 13 The Foregate in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Head down the stairs from the shop and you enter a subterranean world beneath Worcester's streets and a cavernous bank vault which formed part of the original bank which dates from 1836.

The pop-up bar will open for two events on Boxing Day and New Year's Eve with tickets already selling fast.

The Boxing Day launch party takes place between 7pm and 1am with tickets available from the shop, from Skiddle and with more information available via Paradox Streetwear's Instagram.

The launch features Jay Newman, Richard James and a secret guest. Melodic Vibes and Tech House will be the order of the day.

DESCENT: The stairs lead deep beneath Paradox Barbers and Paradox Streerwear in The Foregate and into an old, abandoned bank vault now reinvented as an underground pop-up bar (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Business director Richard Farmer hopes he is, quite literally, on the money when he transforms the under-used space into a bar with a raw, edgy 'boiler room' and 'industrial atmosphere'.

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He said: "I'm really excited. There has been a lot of interest. We will be installing red tube lighting but we're going to keep the underground vault vibe. We are keeping the authenticity. It is the first pop-up underground bar in Worcester and it is certainly the only bar in the city in a bank vault."

The 32-year-old will also bring in a secret guest DJ signed to Kaluki Records. There will also be House Music and dancers. Clothing from the Paradox Streetwear range will also be for sale on the night.

Customers have compared the Worcester-based business, already with a tried and tested history in Droitwich, to a 'superstore' because together they offer three businesses in one.

SECRET: The Vault Worcester was once the old bank vault in The Foregate which dates from 1836 (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Previously based at the same premises was No.13 Emporium at Worcester’s Hopmarket and, before that, Stripes Fashion and Beauty Salon.

Mr Farmer founded Prestige Barbers in Droitwich after securing funding from The Prince's Trust 10 years ago.

ATMOSPHERIC: The Vault Worcester certainly has an atmosphere all its own (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The funding followed a 'Dragon's Den style pitch' which was a success because he had already built a large client base with a mobile barber business. 

His brother, Josh Farmer, came on board and they opened four barber businesses in Droitwich and The Barber Lab in Bromsgrove. 

Originally from Birmingham, the former Droitwich High School pupil said unfortunately they had to close the Bromsgrove business during the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, it proved an opportunity to develop a new business - Paradox Streetwear, a clothing brand.

This offers custom-manufactured clothing, oversized t-shirts, nylon tracksuits, ultra heavy cotton tracksuits, and innovative designs. When the barbers reopened it also took on the new Paradox name.