Viva la Vida - Rotherham restaurants paired together

Two popular restaurants in Rotherham within yards of each other have confirmed plans to combine.

Visit Rotherham reported in September on The Garrison and The Olive Lounge in Wickersley, that both announced their closures and said that changes were on the menu.

Elliott Vaughan opened his 1920s themed restaurant, The Garrison in 2020 focusing is on British inspired local produce plus unique cocktails and proper beers. The Olive Lounge served authentic homemade tapas with quality wines, beers and original cocktails and the W Bars team announced at the end of 2025 that they had taken over the premises. The W Bars team are part of the same group that operates the W Italian Restaurant on nearby Bawtry Road.

An update on social media states that the team at The Garrison will be joining the team at The Olive Lounge as it transforms into Vida - a Mediterranean restaurant, cocktail bar, and music lounge.

Elliott Vaughan, founder of The Garrison, said: "Roughly 1506 services later, that’s the last. Just short of 6 years of The Garrison and we’ve had a blast; for everyone who has joined us and supported us over the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means everything to me, my team and my family, and you have been appreciated more than you know it.

"We are incredibly excited to announce that we will be joining the team at The Olive Lounge (which has recently been taken over by W Italian). Together, we'll be bringing an exciting new lease of life to the venue as it transforms into Vida; a Mediterranean restaurant, cocktail bar, and music lounge. It's a project we're truly passionate about, and we can't wait to welcome both familiar faces and new ones through the doors. Keep an eye out for the launch of our social media pages and website where we'll be sharing more details over the coming weeks.

"As for The Garrison at 129 Bawtry Road, the future is still in the balance of what, or who is to come next. All will be disclosed upon finalising."