A POPULAR fine dining restaurant with a late bar has shocked punters after shutting their doors for good.
Customers were devastated to hear that as a result of “systemic decline” in the industry, the Ukiyo Bar in Dublin city has closed.
Unfortunately, customers won’t even get to have a final outing to the establishment, as it has closed with immediate effect.
Posting to Instagram, the owners Duncan and Lou described their “immense sadness”.
They thanked their “amazing and loyal staff”, customers, and DJs.
In the post they wrote: “It is with immense sadness today that we announce the immediate closure of our beloved Ukiyo Bar.
“We want to especially thank all our amazing and loyal staff, both past and present for all they have contributed to building the legend that is Ukiyo.
“Ukiyo would not have been the same without our DJs who brought their incredible record collections, our suppliers and trades who supported and stuck by us over the last two decades.
“Our biggest thank you is reserved of course to our customers who returned time after time for our special brand of hospitality and good times.”
The bar has been open for the past 20 years, with the owners saying they are “proud”.
They wrote: “We are immensely proud of all we’ve achieved over the past twenty years.
“We survived a pandemic, a stock market crash and lots of bumps along the road, but unfortunately the margins in our business are now so meagre that there is no future for us and so many more of our fellow businesses.”
Addressing the closure of the business, they wrote: “We have tried everything and given everything to this business but unless the government gets off its hands and helps the hospitality sector then we will certainly not be the last.
Speaking about the current climate for businesses in Ireland, they added: “Three more of our neighbours closed last week, we are all within fifty metres of each other, all respected, long established and highly regarded on one of Dublin’s busiest thoroughfares, if this is not direct evidence of a systemic decline in our industry and in our immediate urban fabric then I don’t know what is…
“Tourism and hospitality are the lifeblood of employment in our communities, towns and cities, if the government acts now, maybe more of our colleagues will keep their jobs and their businesses, to do nothing will mean the death of our industry and a huge blow to the céad mile fáilte that we extend to Ireland’s visitors every year.”
Concluding the post, they wrote: “We will always have our memories to share, and we wish long life to the countless romances, engagements, weddings, and a few babies that were born along the way.
“This is the end for now, but we will hopefully see you all again, further on down the road.”
Fans were devastated to hear the news, with many recounting the great memories they had there.
One person commented: “Very sad to hear this. I loved it there.”
Someone else said: “The end of an era! So sorry to hear this! Myself and Simon wish you both the very best in the future! Big hugs from Simon to you Duncan!! Looking gorgeous Lou xx.”
Another person said: “So sad to read this – we need the government to save Dublin’s soul – all our best places”.