A “FANTASTIC” bar has issued an emotional statement to confirm its closure after seven years – and revealed the exact date it will shut.
Resident bar in Morley Bottoms, Leeds, announced last week that the time has come to “say goodbye” following discussions with the building’s landlord.
Previously a Mediterranean bar named Palaço, which was co-owned by current owner Marc Smith, Resident became especially popular for its music, food, literature and book events since re-branding in 2021.
Mr Smith took to social media on Thursday, April 25, to confirm the news to devastated customers.
A post on the Resident Facebook page read: “So after nearly seven years here at 23 Queen Street, three of which as ‘Resident’, it’s time to say goodbye.
“The landlord informed us a few weeks ago of their desire to sell the building.
“We were given the option to buy but after much consideration we’ve decided that now is the right time and step away (for now) and spend more time with our young family and do lots more travelling.
“As a business we’ve been doing well year on year so the plan is to leave while we’re still on top. As many of you will know it’s never been about the business for us, it’s always been about the community.”
Mr Smith added that it has been “genuinely amazing” to see Morley, the largest town within the City of Leeds metropolitan borough, “flourish” again and hoped it will continue “forever more.”
The bar owner also revealed the establishment’s final of day of trading.
Thankfully, however, customers have been given plenty of time to book in a final drink, with Resident’s last day of trading taking place on Monday, May 27th.
Following the news, customers have been paying their tributes to the bar as it prepares to bring the shutters down next month.
“Will miss a fantastic bar and an even better music venue,” said one.
“Going to miss you guys… it was the best place in Morley!,” wrote another.
“You’ve made something so special at Resident, so much more than a bar. You’ll be sorely missed,” commented a third.
One person even described the watering hole as their “home away from home”.
Resident’s closure, however, highlights the wider issue of the cost of living crisis on the industry.
High energy costs have crippled businesses and soaring inflation has even seen punters cutting back on nights out.
Figures from Business Rescue Expert reveal the number of nightclubs that went insolvent in 2022 was 512, up from 280 the year before.
From January to June 2023, over 400 nightclubs were unable to pay their debts, just half way through the year.
Elsewhere, a family favourite pub chain is to close more than 200 locations and axe 1,500 jobs.
Whitbread plans to slash its chain of branded restaurants across the UK in favour of building more hotel rooms.
And a UK nightclub once branded “the worst in Europe” has closed its doors for the final time after more than four decades.
Klute, well-known for its sticky dance floors, and cheesy music reportedly shut on April 20 without any public notice.
