A POPULAR bar has been forced to close down after falling on “hard times” – leaving regulars devastated.
Wapentake in Leeds opened up in 2015 in an 18th century building which was formerly home to a cloth merchant.
It was credited with helping revitalise Kirkgate, believed to be the city’s oldest street, and was known for promoting local artists and musicians, proudly celebrating all things Yorkshire.
But the bar and cafe is now being forced to close after the business suffered “a great deal” amid building works taking place on their road.
The venue will open for the final time on June 23.
A statement on the bar’s Facebook page reads: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we are announcing the closure of our beloved Little Piece of Yorkshire.
“With the current climate and the building works currently taking place on Kirkgate our business has suffered a great deal and fallen on hard times.
“Safe to say we’re f***ing devastated.
“We will be opening our doors for the final time THIS Sunday (23rd June).
“We know it’s short notice but like I said, hard bloody times.
“We’ll be having a farewell bash pretty much all weekend for those that would like to come and say goodbye with us.
“We’ll be operating as usual throughout this week for your coffee and brunch/burger needs.
“We chuffin love you Leeds.”
Devastated regulars revealed their heartbreak at the news.
Verity Bedford-Read wrote: “Lots of happy memories here with you being one of the first places that had a decent vegan breakfast!
“All the best for wherever life takes you all next.”
Gary Van Jackson said: “So sorry to hear this. One of the best bars in Leeds with great staff! You will be missed!”
A MAJOR pub chain has revealed incredible plans to double up its portfolio of boozers in coming years.
Punters have been left delighted after Urban Pubs and Bars announced recent expansion plans to open new pubs in London.
The company, which marked its 10th anniversary last month, has been growing at a rapid pace for the last few years.
Bosses now want to maintain a strong pace and build a pipeline of new openings that will see the number of boozers doubled in the years ahead, reports Daily Mail.
Malc Heap, co-founder of Urban Pubs and Bars, said: “We’ve got to 42 pubs after some really strong openings over the past few years, doubling us in size.
And we’re hoping we can do that again over the coming years too.”
Fay Sarah Meehan said: “Oh my God we just said on Sunday we were going to come back for lunch. It was amazing. Sad sad times.”
Kyle John Smith wrote: “Oh man this it’s truely gutting… hope you manage to find a new burst of energy for a new place.
“Wishing you all the very best you fabulous crew.”
The venue was named after the Yorkshire term for a sub-division of a Riding – which is itself a derivative of an old Norse term, “Thriding”, which means a third part.
