Member Article

Darlington entrepreneur expects bar location app to be a roaring success

RoarApp, the new app which helps users locate nearby bars, clubs and restaurants, is launching across the region as the Darlington entrepreneur behind the startup targets a national launch next year.

Thought up by former jump jockey Andrew Bartlett, the new app utilises data from Google Maps and Foursquare to display bars, restaurants and nightclubs close to the user, and also includes a suite of safety features that the startup hopes will prove popular ahead of the imminent Freshers Week.

Developed in Newcastle, the app is rolling out across the region’s towns and cities first, including Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Durham and Sunderland, ahead of a nationwide launch in 2017.

Following the launch, 19-year-old Andrew commented: “After working on this app for a year, I’m now very excited to be at the launch stage. The app is useful for any age groups from students to corporate work friends.

“How many times have we visited a new city but have no idea which restaurants to eat at or which bars to go to? We’ve done all the leg work to save users time and money.”

Along with its locational features, the app can be set up to notify revellers when one of their friends strays out of the immediate vicinity, a feature which the startup hopes will fuel early growth in the student market.

Meanwhile, venues who sign up for the app are also able to offer push notifications and offers directly to user’s phones, a key benefit over the likes of Facebook or Twitter.

As part of the development process, local firm Gospelware have worked with Andrew for over a year, designing and developing the app to get it ready for launch.

Claudia Thompson from the mobile developers, believes the app is going to be a roaring success and that it was already generating momentum.

She commented: “The concept has the potential to be a real success, and it’s awesome that its debut is in Newcastle, the city where it was made. We’ve definitely got a brilliant nightlife here. It’s already looking very popular with ratings, and we’re looking forward to it gaining momentum.”