GBPA finalist announces sudden closure
The venue, which was shortlisted for Best Beer Bar/Pub in the 2018 John Smith’s Great British Pub Awards, posted a notice on social media this morning (7 September) to announce it would be closing its doors.
The bar blamed a “challenging location” and slow business over the quieter winter months for the decision to cease trading.
“After two and a half years of trading, we have made the difficult decision to close our bar, Mason & Company,” a statement read. “We opened our doors in June 2016 with a commitment to showcase and support independent food and drinks producers, and to run an awesome, welcoming, friendly, local bar. We’re happy that we’ve done that!
“Over that time we have showcased some of the UK’s best independent breweries, and welcomed tens of thousands of people through the door. We’ve run a wide range of exciting and innovative events, and celebrated all that is great about the UK craft beer and food scene."
Difference in footfall
The statement continued: “Our passion and innovation were recognised this year when we were shortlisted as a finalist for the 2018 Great British Pub Awards. However, there is no getting away from the fact that we opened Mason & Company in what has proved a challenging location.
“The difference in footfall and trade between summer and winter has been a story of extreme opposites. While during summer and for special events we have had some very busy weeks, sadly, during the majority of the year, outside the summer months the footfall to the overall development and location has not been high enough to sustain a successful business in the long term.
“The founders have given their all over the past three years of project development, launch and operation, and we have been ably supported by a brilliant team of staff from the outset. We have invested a tremendous amount of energy, passion, commitment, sweat, and a few tears along the way.”
“And so, with a heavy heart but with huge thanks to our awesome staff team, regulars, and all the small independent drinks and food suppliers who have supplied and supported us, it has become time to move on.”
Drinkers react
Drinkers have reacted with sadness to the news. Beer writer Matthew Curtis tweeted: “Urgh, this smarts. One of my favourite places to drink, eat, work and hang out. My best to all the staff affected by this closure.”
Josh Farrington added: “Really gutted about this, was one of my favourite places to eat and drink and always worth the journey. Hope all the great staff land on their feet.”
Mason & Company opened in summer 2016 and was run by Ed Mason, co-founder of The Five Points Brewing Company in conjunction with Italian street food trader Capish?
The venue was well known for hosting tap takeovers, meet the brewers, and other beer-focused events, and stocked a wide range of beers from independent small breweries.
