The team behind Belgium and Blues in Southampton’s Above Bar have announced they will close later this week, following a final hurrah on Saturday night (June 27).
Jack Glennie, who launched the business at Halloween 2016 with Steve Lee and Alan Williams, met his wife at the bar and they even got married there last year.
Outside Belgium and Blues Southampton (Image: Belgium and Blues Southampton)
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But he said he’s tired of fighting the declining health of the building which houses the tucked away independent craft and Belgian beer bar and brasserie, alongside expensive beer, thin margins and stretched customers.
Manager Owen Jackson and co-owner Jack Glennie of Belgium and Blues (Image: Belgium and Blues Southampton)
Posting on the bar’s Facebook page, Jack said: “Hello Southampton we made it… sort of. Ten years here and one hell of a ride.
“Since 2016 we have been slinging the best beers possible to you beautiful people of Southampton. There’s been singing, dancing, tears, love, loss and everything in-between.
“We have survived global pandemics, economic instability, floods oh so many floods… the list goes on. But I’m tired.
“As many of you know the building has been in declining health for years. Behind the scenes we have been keeping this place propped up on a heady mix of sump pumps, gaffa tape, wet vacs and frankly a bit of luck!
“But those problems with the water ingress have inevitably made there way into areas we cannot ignore. Last year we were forced closed at Christmas, our busiest time of year, and it has cost us dearly.”
He added: “The industry is also suffering massively, margins have become razor thin if not non existent.
“The beer is too expensive and our customers pockets are already hurting. The country needs rapid change on this front or we will see most independents gone.
“These are employment, but also livelihoods, safe spaces and support for other independent industries. A world without them is no fun at all!
“And so for now this is goodbye. To all the amazing people we have met, worked with, brought beer from, had perform etc over the years. I raise my glass to you, and to the people of Southampton who supported us.”