Popular Cork bar and bistro to cease trading with 20 jobs to be lost

TWENTY jobs are set to be lost in Bandon as a result of the upcoming closure of a popular bar and bistro in the town centre.

The owners of the Old Market Bar & Bistro Declan and Debbie Coleman said they will cease trading from Sunday, April 7 after five years in business in the town.

The pair came to Bandon "extremely wary and anxious” to take a chance at building a business of their own but said they were supported by business owners and locals in the town and their customer base grew despite the Covid-19 pandemic hitting just 11 months into business.

“We loved seeing the same familiar faces coming through our doors day after day. Now it was coming to the stage where our customers were now friends,” they said.

“I can honestly say that the people of Bandon have been nothing but exceptional to us. We appreciate each and every one of you. You helped us to get to our five-year mark and not once did we ever take this for granted.” 

The pair said they would love to stay in the town in their current premises but that their lease under the same terms and conditions has been denied.

“We are extremely upset and broken-hearted.” 

They said that those with vouchers will be honoured and that they plan to bring their food business to Crossmahon Bar in the future.

Speaking to The Echo, Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard said: “The overwhelming response from customers and fellow business owners in Bandon to Declan and Debbie’s announcement speaks for itself.

“In their time in The Old Market Bar they have built a steady lunch and evening trade, hosted numerous family occasions, have supported local events and clubs and have played their part in revitalising the centre of the town with their busy and well-kept premises in Market Street.

“I’ve no doubt they will be successful in their new business in Crossmahon and will be supported by their loyal customers but it’s an awful shame to see a successful business like this leave the town centre.