Pictured above: The team behind The Vaults' success - Paul Rutter, partner Julian Brown, Alek Sapic and Daniel Humphries

Successful bar/restaurants need to offer something unique in today's tough economic climate, according to Julian Brown, partner at The Vaults in Birmingham.

Dramatically housed in the cellars below what was a brewery and workhouse, The Vaults has fought its way out of trouble to buck the trend in the sector and become a niche venue in the fashionably revitalised Jewellery Quarter.

Julian said: "People are amazed when they walk into this 'dungeon' world - it is pure history yet in one of the most up-to-the-minute leisure environments you can find.

"Unique is an over-used word … but it really is unique in Birmingham. There is nothing like it."

The Vaults, Newhall Place, Newhall Hill, is branded as the thinking person's retreat, a kind of executive escape.

But a lively one with Champagne bar, a world reputation for cocktails, quality food and entertainment.

Now under new ownership, The Vaults has undergone some radical improvements including changes to the management structure, implementation of improved cost and stock controls not to mention an interior revamp just one year ago, all of which has given the ailing business a new lease of life.

Julian said: "We were one of the many victims of the recession as individuals cut back on their spending and the corporate world followed suit.

"Lots of hard graft and some significant internal improvements have turned it round and got people back."

He admits it remains a challenging market.

For example, the most recent Red Flag Alert, produced by corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, showed a big jump in financial distress across most sectors, with those dependent on discretionary spend, such as bars and restaurants, particularly hard hit.

Year on year in the first quarter, the number of businesses in the sector showing signs of distress was up by 68 per cent.

Set in the cellars of a Grade 2 listed Victorian building, The Vaults has sought to make the most of its character and ambience … a place to relax and unwind or alternatively dance to the music on Fridays and Saturdays.

The chic eatery and bar is full of character, enjoying lots of natural light despite the subterranean feel.

Art and photography blend with signature exposed brickwork, bespoke furniture and polished wooden flooring.  The restaurant blends cosmopolitan cuisine and great British classics. Get comfortable in an armchair and sip premier champagnes, bottled beers, wine or carefully crafted cocktails - it was recently voted one of the best Martini bars in the world.

Or, for the ultimate in VIP relaxation, make a booking for one of the eight private booths.

Reputed once to have been cells, they now cater for intimate gatherings of a more acceptable kind, romantic liaisons and special celebrations.

Julian said: "The booths are exclusive - close the velvet drapes on your personal drinks den or leave wide open for the world to see.

"It is a setting unmatched in the city - once they experience The Vaults people tend to come back. It is so different."

Open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm till late, the venue boasts some of Birmingham's most eclectic DJs, mixing their favourite records on Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30pm to 3am.

"Effectively it is several different locations in one - whether you want to let your hair down or opt for a quiet night, it is all there," said Ms Marshall.

"You need different types of appeal these days and that is why The Vaults is back in vogue."

The building has been attributed to H.R.Yeoville Thomason, who also designed the Council House and several other prominent buildings in Birmingham.