A MUCH-loved quirky Scottish bar has announced that it is set to close its doors for good – leaving fans gutted.
Bosses at Hoot the Redeemer in Edinburgh revealed the shock closure today after almost ten years in business.
Hoot the Redeemer is tucked away on an Edinburgh street[/caption]
It is located on Hanover Street in the city centre[/caption]
The cocktail bar is a favourite among locals (stock pic)[/caption]
Heartbroken owners explained that they have worked for the last 18 months to try and keep the bar open.
But they said that the new landlords have plans for the whole building that do not include Hoot the Redeemer.
As a result, the bar will close for good when their current lease expires this autumn.
Locals will be able to visit the venue until it shuts for the final time on Sunday, September 1.
The iconic bar is owned by Iain McPherson, who is also the person behind Panda & Sons and Nauticus.
It first opened in 2015 and quickly became a favourite in Edinburgh among locals and bartenders alike.
It’s a really gutting feeling, as we had created something really unique and the team have been absolutely brilliant… Hoot will last a lifetime in my heart
Iain McPherson
It was loved for being quirky and unlike any other bars in the city with its New Orleans vintage funfair theme.
It even has a tarot-themed cocktail menu and an incredible boozy ice cream brand called Señor Scoop.
McPherson has been left devasted by the closure and revealed that he feels like he “somewhat failed” after he wasn’t able to stop it from closing.
Speaking to CLASS, he said: “I tried my best over the past 18 months to try and keep it open, but the new landlords have plans for the whole building and in the end there was nothing I could do.
“I apologise to everyone connected that I somewhat failed in that sense.
“It’s a really gutting feeling, as we had created something really unique and the team have been absolutely brilliant.
“Telling the team the news was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my 10-plus years as a bar operator.
“Please pop in while you still have time, as there will never be a bar and bar team similar to Hoot.
“Hoot will last a lifetime in my heart.”
Fans have been left devastated by the announcement, with one person saying: “This is actually gutting”.
Telling the team the news was probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my 10-plus years as a bar operator
Iain McPherson
The news comes after the “best Chinese restaurant” in Edinburgh revealed it would be closing for good this week.
Bosses at Hau Han, in the capital’s Haymarket Terrace, made the announcement on social media on Tuesday.
The restaurant serves up British-style Chinese food inspired by the dishes of Hong Kong.
But it will now close for the final time tomorrow after five years in business.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
MANY food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.
Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.
