Glasgow venue closes blaming 'perfect storm' of challenges
Metropolitan shuts its doors after more than 20 years at Merchant Square
40 jobs are being lost with the closure of one of Glasgow’s best-known hospitality venues in what’s being called a ‘perfect storm’ business challenges.
Metropolitan bar and restaurant has been a fixture in Merchant Square for more than 20 years, but has closed with immediate effect.
The business says it has fallen victim to a ‘perfect storm’ of factors including the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, increasing and unsustainable rent, rates and energy costs, and the fallout from the Covid pandemic.
‘Heartbreaking’ decision
Owner, Kevin Maguire, said: “Despite concerted efforts on our part to engage in constructive negotiation with representatives of Merchant Square, it was made clear that we had no choice but to take this difficult decision.
“First and foremost, I am absolutely devastated for our dedicated team whose hard work and commitment has made Metropolitan one of the city’s most popular venues.
“It is heartbreaking that so many negative factors have come about at the same time making it impossible for Merchant Square’s flagship and arguably most recognisable outlet to remain viable.
“Merchant Square in general and Metropolitan in particular have been a huge part of my life and that of my team for many years so as you can imagine, to now be in this position through no fault of our own, is disheartening to say the least.”