Covid restrictions pushing iconic NI pubs ‘over the edge’

Both the Duke of York and the Harp Bar in the city’s Cathedral Quarter “will remain closed for the foreseeable future” due to the coronavirus restrictions, putting 100 jobs at risk, the owners have said.

In response, Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster described the announcement as a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by bar and restaurant operators.

“Sadly, this situation is indicative of the current trading environment and the real impact that Covid-19 is having on the hospitality sector,” he said.

“The toll that this has taken on iconic bars such as the Duke of York and the Harp Bar speaks volumes for how deep trading restrictions are hurting. We are devastated for those employees who have been given this news and know that this will not have been an easy decision to make,” Mr Neill told Q Radio.

“[The] announcement that the Duke of York and the Harp Bar, landmarks of our tourism and hospitality industry, will not reopen until some time next year is a stark and cold reminder of the situation that exists in our hospitality industry. This is 100 jobs in one go but this is replicated in twos and threes right across the province.”

Mr Neill added: “Our industry has now tipped over the edge. It is unsustainable under the current restrictions and needs continuous financial support if we are going to preserve our industry”.

A spokesperson for the company that operates the two pubs, Commercial Court Inns, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that The Duke of York and Harp Bar will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find an economically viable way to reopen these iconic venues, which were built for convivial conversation, craic and live music in close quarters.

“The time will come when these doors will reopen. The craic and conversation will return and the reunion will be all the sweeter for the wait.”

Bars serving food were permitted to reopen in early July but the drink-only pubs were not able to resume trading until September 23.

On 23 September, drink-only bars were also permitted to reopen – with strict infection control measures in place.

The latest directive from Stormont stipulates that no alcohol or food can be served after 10.30pm and that all customers must leave by 11pm.

• Last month the Duke of York management said the pub, “like the grand old Duke of York’s ten thousand men,” had been “marched to the top of the hill and right back down again”.

In a statement on Facebook on September 18, they said: “We were amnog the first to close, we will probably be the last to open.

“The light at the end of our tunnel seems distant now but these city lights will shine again, brighter than ever before.”

It goes on to say: “The spirit of this great city will prevail. Belfast will emerged stronger. Better. Brighter.”

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