Flight Club Will Open New York City Venue
The U.K.-based dart pub chain is preparing for a late 2026 debut at 31 Union Square West.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Flight Club will open its first New York City location at 31 Union Square West between September and October 2026. The U.K.-based dart-themed pub chain is operated in North America by State of Play Hospitality.
Why it matters
The venue aims to combine modern entertainment with the architectural heritage of a historic building located in a prominent Manhattan hub. State of Play Hospitality selected the site for its historical significance as the former Bank of Metropolis headquarters.
This site will serve as the 12th Flight Club location across the United States. The property at 31 Union Square West was constructed between 1902 and 1903 and later housed the Blue Water Grill from 1996 to 2019.
The players
Flight Club
This is a U.K.-based chain of pubs that specializes in dart-themed games and social dining.
State of Play Hospitality
The company is the North American operator of the Flight Club brand and manages its expansion efforts.
The details
Renovations at the historic building include removing a mezzanine level to increase ceiling height and exposing original marble features and ceiling cornices. The layout will utilize a ground-floor banking hall and basement spaces connected by a marble staircase.
Timeline
1902-1903: Original construction of 31 Union Square West.
1996-2019: The site operated as the Blue Water Grill.
2012: The year Flight Club was founded.
September-October 2026: The planned opening window for the new location.
Market Landscape
This opening reflects a growing industry preference for repurposing historic real estate into experiential entertainment venues in high-traffic urban areas. The project positions State of Play Hospitality to expand its footprint in Manhattan as it scales its brand nationally.
New Yorkers can expect a new entertainment option to arrive in Union Square by late 2026. This redevelopment transforms a long-standing vacant space into a social venue that features restored architectural details.
The takeaway
Historic urban properties are increasingly being adapted into specialized social hubs as developers prioritize unique character for new entertainment venues. Residents and visitors should look for continued growth of these hospitality concepts throughout Manhattan in the coming years.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the city, visit the New York City Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Commercial Observer.
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