Two hospitality venues in Shrewsbury are to close after 15 years.<\/p>\n
The Libertine and House of the Rising Sun, which sit next door to each other on Butcher Row in the town, are owned by local businessman Sam Taylor.<\/p>\n
In a post on Facebook he said that the loss of his late business partner and the climate of the hospitality industry was behind the decision.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, so much of the fun and joy that once came with running bars and restaurants has been lost,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I don’t want to make excuses, but hospitality is in a troubling time, and I can’t see anything being done to support it in the coming years.<\/p>\n
“Despite that, I truly loved these businesses and will miss them very much.”<\/p>\n
It comes after several top UK chefs and restaurant owners urged the government to cut VAT for restaurants and pubs as they warned working in the hospitality industry was<\/a> the “hardest it has ever been”.<\/p>\n Cabinet minister Pat McFadden acknowledged the government had “asked business to contribute more”, adding “we help them where we can”.<\/p>\n Taylor said the two businesses have given him “some of the happiest memories of my life”.<\/p>\n “They’ve been filled with laughter, chaos, friendships, unforgettable nights, and so many incredible people along the way,” he added.<\/p>\n “I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has worked with us over the years.<\/p>\n “None of this would have been possible without your loyalty, passion, and hard work. We simply would never have lasted this long without you.”<\/p>\n He also thanked customers for their support.<\/p>\n A closing date for the venues has not been announced.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. <\/p>\n More on this storyRelated internet links