A Napier bar that opened in long-vacant Art Deco landmark the Provincial Hotel a little over two years ago has closed amid a voluntary liquidation announced at the weekend.
Rosie O’Grady’s Irish Pub, opposite Clive and Memorial squares has a sign on the door saying HB Pub Company No 3 Ltd, trading as Rosie O’Gradys — Napier, was placed in voluntary liquidation from 2.30pm on Sunday.
The bar’s Facebook page emphasises Rosie O’Grady’s establishments in Taradale and Hastings continue to operate.
In respect of the now-closed Napier site, popularly viewed and photographed by cruise visitors, the notice says:
“The journey has been filled with laughter, music, and the joy of seeing our bar become a gathering place for so many.”
“The decision to liquidate was not taken lightly,” it continues.
“Changes in the market, Covid and a cyclone created some financial challenges, and led us to this difficult conclusion.”
The closure comes five weeks before St Patrick’s Day, the busiest day of the year for Irish-themed bars.
Also operating as normal, with early arrivals for this week’s Art Deco Festival, is the original Napier O’Grady’s site, now known as The Rose, with outside hospitality tables and chairs on the footpath on Hastings St.
The Herald is aware of at least seven schools that closed their tuckshops today.