A Rochdale bar that has been open for just five years has announced that it has been forced to close blaming the impact of the Town Hall Square redevelopment work, closure of the Esplanade and “post-covid going out habits
The Medicine Tap situated in Rochdale’s former Old Post Office, a Grade II listed building opened in 2018 but has been shut over Xmas and New Year but was due to open on the 10th January
In a social media post the owners said
“We have delayed posting this as somehow it makes it more final! We write this post with a lump in our throats and a tear in our eyes… it is with great sadness that The Medicine Tap has to say goodbye.”Following our New Year break, we will not be reopening and have ceased trading. The impact of the Town Hall Square redevelopment work, closure of the Esplanade, and the Town Hall Car Park has taken its toll.
They added
“There has been a distinct lack of footfall to the area around us and the square has become deserted with no passing custom. Along with other local establishments, we have seen our trade dwindle significantly inevitably leading to financial deficit.
“Add the post-Covid changes in ‘going out’ habits and we’ve had a huge struggle on our hands! We desperately wanted to ‘hang on’ until the re-opening of the Town Hall but that has proved an unrealistic dream for us. Our staff and customers have always been our priority and therefore it would be unfair to continue.
“We stand by our business model… a smart, quirky, immaculate venue, beautifully restored with a nod to its great heritage. An incredible offering of high-quality, locally sourced food, and fabulous drinks. Throw in the mix, the best chefs in the borough and committed staff and we were a place of magic!”
