A popular pub in North Lanarkshire wished its regulars “all the best” as it call last orders for the last time due to spiralling energy costs.

The Bullfrog Bar, on Shields Road, Motherwell, announced on social media “we just cannot afford the electricity costs”.

The pub had been up for sale but hasn’t found a buyer for either the business or the building.

Known fondly as The Bully, the pub – managed by publican Tony Reynolds – has been part of the fabric of the local community for years.

The post on the Bullfrog’s Facebook page said: “Our time is just about up l’m afraid.

“We have to close the doors as we can no longer compete with energy costs spiralling out of control.

“We have a function on this Friday in the bar…after that it could be goodbye from us.

“We had hoped to continue to trade until a buyer for the business, or building, had been found but alas we just cannot afford the electricity costs. If you want to come in over the weekend to say goodbye please do so.

“From a personal point of view its been a pleasure getting to know you over the years…l hope to keep in touch with the many friends made.

“I sincerely hope our landlord Peter can find a buyer to keep the pub going but, in this climate, it is a big ask.

“To all the staff who have helped over the last few years…many thanks, you have been top notch. All the best from the Bully.”

The news was met with sadness from locals who responded to the news on Facebook that the pub was closing for good.

Fraser Campbell said: “So sorry to hear this. it will be the end of an era. It was a pleasure and a privilege to play for the bully pool team for as long as I did. I wish everyone all the best for the future.”

Steven McGowan added: “Sad news, wishing all staff good luck and hopefully you all find work sooner rather than later…and hope a buyer comes and gets the Bullly up and running once this energy crisis is over.”

While Ellen Roy said: “What a sad day had many a great day/night in “The Bully”, all the best Tony.”

The pub was also home to the Kieran Tierney Celtic Supporters Club, and the local of the Arsenal and Scotland star who, despite being a non-drinker, was often spotted with his mates there before his big-money move south to the English Premiership.

Landlord Navan Taverns who own the Bullfrog have warned that other licensed premises in the town are also at risk of closing for good.

A spokesman said: “People aren’t coming out as much as they used to either because everybody is suffering.

“It is not something that has been decided overnight, it’s a process that has been thought about.

“We aren’t the first pub to close and we aren’t going to be the last to close during these times.”

That sentiment was echoed by the management of the White House Bar in Holytown who posted: “So sad to hear the Bullfrog in Motherwell is closing. It is a very difficult time for everyone in the industry.

“We take this time to thank you all, and appreciate every single person who comes through our doors.

“We know how hard it is for every family at this time.

“So when you get the chance to go for a night out, please keep it local, we need you more than ever.”

The Bullfrog is for sale at offers over £350,000 and is being marketed on behalf of the owner by Scottish Business Agency. For more details visit: scottishbusinessagency.co.uk/business/the-bullfrog/

source: The Daily Record https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/popular-lanarkshire-pub-announces-closure-28545209

Popular late night venue and restaurant Saint Judes has been sold by property agents Josh Hill & Mark Jackson of Scottish business agency. A deal was brokered for the leasehold site after Mark introduced a purchaser early on. SBA were instructed to find a buyer confidentially, and as a result identified a handful of keen operators interested in expanding their presence in the Glasgow city centre.

The Bridge Cafe was owned and operated successfully for 29 years by the same owner. When the time had come to move on SBA were appointed confidentially to find a suitable buyer.

After a short instruction period, Josh was able to broker a deal with an existing chip shop operator who operates multiple sites across Glasgow. It was clear from the outset after the first viewing that the new owner was serious about putting in an offer to acquire the business as a going concern. 

Mark Jackson will work alongside Josh Hill in helping clients to sell and acquire businesses across Scotland. Mark’s previous experience in both client relationships and growth adds a further dynamic when negotiating with purchasers which can sometimes be a difficult process to go through. Mark’s focus is on building long-standing client relationships across Scotland with all business owners across various sectors including; pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and guest houses.

Gin71 is a well renowned brand, having been established in May 2012, when they opened the Renfield Street site, with the Merchant City unit opening in October 2015, before expanding the group’s offering and opening the Gin Spa in December 2017. They previously had an Edinburgh site, as well as a concession within the House of Fraser in Glasgow, and are currently in talks to expand the brand name in a new development in Glasgow’s Financial District at the River Clyde, as well as expanding the spa business.

A deal was struck after running a short marketing process and sold to a first time buyer for over the asking price within 6 months of starting the marketing campaign.

Based in Ayrshire, Launch provides web design, digital marketing & branding to boost visibility & grow sales for businesses in Glasgow, London, Ayrshire & UK. This exciting new partnership will allow SBA to offer a new range of services within the commercial property market across Scotland. This includes bespoke marketing packages that they can tailor to suit new and existing clients thinking of selling their business across a range of sectors within the hospitality sector to include, public houses, restaurants, hotels.

“From our first meeting with the team we knew we wanted to work with Launch. Family owned and focussed on delivering to the highest standard, their values and vision going forward really mirrors what we want to achieve with SBA. Building long standing relationships is the key to success in business, we can see ourselves working together as we grow.” – Josh Hill