Urban axe-throwing operator Whistle Punks has secured investment from Edition Capital to aid further growth. Whistle Punks, which offers the opportunity to throw axes for fun, currently operates sites in London, Manchester and Birmingham and has secured £1.5m of new investment that will enable the business to expand across the UK as the popularity of alternative sports and experiential leisure continues to rise.

The company, which was founded by John Nimmons and Jools Whitehorn in 2016, plans to open a site in Bristol this summer with a further venue in London planned to launch before the end of the year. The business has applied to Bristol City Council to open a site in All Saints Street that was formerly occupied by nightclub Panache, which closed in 2011. Whistle Punks sees groups take part in axe-throwing tournaments guided by throwing coaches. Participants rack up the highest score by hitting bull’s-eyes while socialising between rounds.