A POPULAR Cork cafe and wine bar has announced it will close at the end of this month.
Locals have been left devastated by the move made by the West Cafe And Wine Bar in Bantry, Co Cork.
In a heartfelt social media post the popular Bridewell Lane spot revealed recent “shocks” such as the bout of cold weather have made things “incredibly difficult”.
While the cafe acknowledged their “amazing” staff and beloved local regulars they revealed their decision to cease trading come January 28.
The cafe was favourited for it’s delicious coffee and renowned sausage rolls.
They had a large menu of hearty soups, sandwiches and all day breakfast favourites.
But calling an end to it all the owners said: “It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we share the news that West will be closing its doors for the last time on Tuesday, Janurary 28.
“Since opening on High Street over the June Bank Holiday Weekend 2019, we have had the most wonderful time, working with the best people, and getting to know our lovely locals, many of whom are now good friends.
“But it’s time to bring things to a close. We opened West in time for Covid. With the first lockdown, our cafe in Cork City immediately closed and we made the decision to focus our attention on Bantry coming out of it.
“Years of ducking and diving, changing menus and becoming a shop / off-license / garden bar /takeaway / whatever we needed to be, took its toll.
“Unfortunately, we have been carrying the fallout from all of that, keeping the business running while dealing with the legacy debt and the energy crisis.
“We’ve come to a point where it can’t continue. If it wasn’t for our amazing colleagues behind the bar and in the kitchen we would not have come this far.
Continuing the heartfelt sentiment they said: “They’ve been incredible to work with as we’ve moved (literally), pivoted and changed the business to keep things going.
“They are more than staff, they’re our friends, and they are the best at what they do. The hospitality business is in our blood, but it’s a very different business today than even when we opened TabletopCork 7 years ago.
“Margins, always tight in our industry, are non-existent today, and with supplier prices changing constantly it is incredibly difficult to keep producing a high quality product at a reasonable price.
“Shocks, such as the recent cold weather, take an enormous toll. We love what we do, and this decision has not been taken lightly.”
The spot confirmed they would remain open as usual until their last day of business and urged customers to use vouchers up.
‘DEVASTATING NEWS’
And regulars have been left “gutted” by the news of yet another hospitality closure.
Taking to the comments of the shock announcement one person wrote: “This is devastating news, for Bantry and all it’s visitors.
“You provided a unique offering in our town and our guests loved visiting you, especially with their dogs.”
Another wrote: “Sorry to hear this news. Rural Ireland is forgotten about and Bantry was once a thriving tourist town also.
“To loose a business is heartbreaking as the commitment and work involved is enormous.
‘VERY SAD’
“Very sad to see Ireland go down the tubes with high costs, housing crisis and not investing in our people and country. Wishing you and your family the very best in your next adventure in life.”
Another said: “As fellow businessman I can only say in the current climate you have made a very brave but correct decision”, while another wrote: “Gutted to hear this.”
And another added: “We are SO sorry to hear this news, for you are for all your team and for the whole town.
“It’s so sad that it’s come to this. We will miss you! All the memories over all the years – staff parties, great nights out, tasty brunches and tapas. Sending hugs.”
