Iconic Glasgow pub The Admiral Bar announced its shock closure yesterday following developer plans to transform it into a cafe.
The popular bar will shut its doors for the final time next month, with staff describing it as a difficult and traumatic time".
The Admiral Bar has been a mainstay on Waterloo Street for 60 years, but say they have been forced to close to despite being "successful and solvent".
READ MORE: The Admiral Bar to close next month as developers look to replace iconic venue with café
The announcement continues: "We thank you, the public, the promoters, the event organisers, and most importantly our magnificent staff for all your support through these years. The Admiral has been a unique community in the city centre. Details of our closing week parties and future plans to follow.
"I had hoped to have more time to contact a number of friends & DJs etc. directly, and to be able to confirm future plans, it appears someone jumped the gun with their presser.
"I'd appreciate unless directly affected a bit of space, this has been a difficult and traumatic time for those directly impacted. Closing a business is one thing, closing a successful, solvent and iconic institution has been another.
"This is merely Au Revoir."
Regulars at the bar have responded to the news, sharing their disappointment and anger.
Many Glasgow Live readers shared memories of time in the bar over its long long.
Steven Grist said: "Used to drink in there 1975 - 82, as I was in the Income Tax office along road...now a hotel. Also the Alhambra long gone. There’s enough cafes in area. When I was in this pub last year it was always busy."
Mungo Collie added: "Admiral was a great Friday destination for me and College friends in the late 80s. Near to the Anderston Bus Station for most of us on the way home. Sad news."
Meanwhile, Bob Hill said: "I worked in the building above it for three years in the 80s, so this pub really was my local and many a small libation was partaken of! I'll have to pop in for a farewell pint."
Rosina Friel added: "This was our favourite place back in the days when the gang of housekeeping staff frequently went after working a long week in the Forte Posthouse hotel."
Developers have submitted the plans to demolish part of the building in which The Admiral stands with a view to creating an office block with a café and restaurant on the ground floor.
Regulars also hit out at the decision to change the space into a cafe, with many questioning the plans.
Angi Nator said: "Gutted at this, so many good nights there. Ridiculous that a successful business is being closed to be turned into a cafe. It's one of the few independent pubs in the city centre, so sad."
John Brownlie added: "Turning a 'successful and solvent' pub into a cafe. Whatever next?"
Heather Fiona also said: "You can guarantee that whatever replaces it won’t have a patch on the Admiral. Probably another generic soulless cafe…watch this space. Such a great bar, such a shame it’s closing whilst still doing well…great character and always enjoyed a Melting Pot night. It will be sorely missed."
Stephen O'Donnell shared his hopes that the pub would be saved and transferred to a new location, saying: "Would be great if they could find an alternate location to keep the pub open. It's a great pub."
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