A POPULAR pub has shocked locals after announcing it’s set to close for good in days after five years in business.
The Coleman family opened the Old Market Bar and Bistro in Bandon, Cork, after deciding to start their own business and give up “secure, full-time work”.
The gastropub launched with head chef Michelle and front-of-house staff member Jean.
The venue became a popular go-to spot for top food in the area.
The owners, Declan and Debbie, slowly took on new staff and developed a loyal customer base, becoming well known and “loyal friends” in the community.
In a shock move, the couple announced the closure of their much-loved pub due to new lease terms.
They described the new terms as “not financially sustainable” amid the cost of living crisis.
The Old Market Bar and Bistro will cease trading on Sunday, April 7, and any bookings that were made after that will be transferred to other restaurants in the town.
The pair said they are “heartbroken” about the decision, but they plan on moving their food business to the Crossmahon bar nearby.
Any unused vouchers that aren’t used before the end of this week can be redeemed there.
The owners issued a heartfelt thank you to the “exceptional” people of Bannon for their years of support, along with their staff.
The full statement posted to Facebook reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we write this post.
“We have been here in The Market Bar for the past 5 years. We came into Bandon and took a chance at building a business of our own. A Full time secure job was given up in order to take on this new venture. We were extremely wary and anxious and wondering ” have we done the right thing”?
“We got the keys for the building and started to find our way.
“The first thing I did was take a walk over to O’Donovans shop across the road to introduce myself to the infamous Jerry.
“Declan had said he had called over and that he was a lovely man.
“So I made it my business to meet him. One of the best encounters in my lifetime.
“Jerry has become a family friend. A friend who has looked out for us and helped us enormously. He is one in a million.
“It was a comfort to know that previous staff who worked in the market, were willing to stay with us and who were willing to also take a chance on us.
“Our head chef Michelle who I went to school with, was amazing from the start.
“Knowing her to be the kind, honest and hard working person she is, put us at ease and she has always had our backs. More often than not, goes beyond the call of duty.
“Our front of house staff member Jean also remained with us to this day. Never has she left us down and helped us to get to know people initially.
“From there our staff crew began to grow. We worked endless hours to build our business and took on a whole new appreciation for the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.
“11 months in and the pandemic hit. But we got through it more determined than ever. We had put too much in now to throw in the towel.
“Our customer base grew and grew. We loved seeing the same familiar faces coming through our doors day after day. Now it was coming to the stage where our customers were now “friends”.
“I can honestly say that the people of Bandon have been nothing but exceptional to us. We appreciate each and every one of you. You helped us to get to our 5 year mark and not once did we ever take this for granted.
“Would we like another 5 year lease ? ABSOLUTELY. Unfortunately our new lease was denied by our landlords.
“We have survived the pandemic, we got through the huge increases in electricity, gas, food and government taxes. Increases are still coming down the line. It was tough going but we worked hard to keep our business going.
“We were willing to go forward for another lease on the same terms and conditions that we already had but, the new terms that was put to us by our landlords was not financially sustainable for us.
“This now means that our last day of trading will be next Sunday 7th April. We are extremely upset and broken hearted.
“We have contacted people with bookings for different upcoming events such as communions, confirmations, wedding parties etc and have tried to make alternative accommodations for them with different restaurants in the town.
“For anyone who has vouchers, do not worry. We will of course honour them and nobody will be out of pocket.
“We will eventually take our food business to crossmahon bar and vouchers will also be honoured there.
“To our staff Michelle, Daithi, Asia, Maja, Iryna, Ava, Ber, Kara, Jean, Jamie, Sean, Joe, Jerry, Conor, Dean, Darrah H, Oisin, Dylan, Darragh Mc, Liam – what an absolute pleasure to work with you all. It was never a relationship of being the bosses.
“It was always about team work. The fun, the banter and helping each other through personal good and bad times.
“You are all amazing and we have been the luckiest work family I have ever known. As you can imagine, this is not being written through a dry eye.
“The Market will be a loss to Bandon Town with a loss of 20 jobs and the wonderful people of bandon Town will be a bigger loss to us.
“Our sincerest THANK YOU, Declan, Debbie & Family”
Fans took to the comments to share their heartbreak over the announcement.
One person said: “Our favourite place to go, devastated for ye! From gorgeous food and great staff always welcomed.
“Massive loss to the town!! See ye soon in Crossmahon”.
Someone else commented: “Devastated to hear this news. You had such a great business going there and will be sorely missed by all of Bandon and beyond.
“Fantastic staff and fantastic food always. We will all certainly miss you here, see you in Crossmahon. Best of luck with everything!”
Another person blasted the landlord, saying: “Awful news to read another greedy landlord.
“The gents who loved sitting at the bar listening to each others stories will miss this daily occurrence.
“On a positive note onwards and upwards with Crossmahon pub.
“Wishing Declan, Debbie, your sons and staff the very best going forward.”