PUNTERS have been left ‘heartbroken’ after a popular Glasgow bar announced its sudden closure after just 15 months.
Much-loved bar Pania, located in Merchant City, has only been serving punters for just over a year after opening in January 2024.
Pania served cocktails at night and coffee during the day (stock)[/caption]
But bosses have now revealed that it called last orders for the final time after struggling with rising costs in the hospitality industry.
The venue is both a cafe and bar and is described as a day-to-night venue inspired by cafes in Europe.
It served everything from late breakfasts, coffee, and sandwiches in the afternoon to charcuterie, cheese, wines, and cocktails at night.
Pania marked the return of Neil Connolly, the man who originally created the late-night bar Moskito back in 2000.
He ran the bar on Bath Street in Glasgow for 18 years before it officially closed.
A few years later he decided that he wanted to get back to work and opened Pania.
I’m sure this will come as a surprise to some, but we have taken the sad and difficult decision to close Pania… it has become impossible to carry on
But Neil has said that after 15 months it has “become impossible to carry on” after facing challenges.
He shared the news with followers on social media with a post on Pania’s Instagram page.
In the emotional post, he thanked his “wonderful team” and “lovely customers” for their support.
It read: “I’m sure this will come as a surprise to some, but we have taken the sad and difficult decision to close Pania.
“Unfortunately, like many other small, independent businesses, we have been fighting against rising costs and difficult trading conditions.
“The numbers just simply don’t add up and with restrictive family commitments, it has become impossible to carry on.
“I would like to thank all our lovely customers for the support and positive feedback over the last year.
“A special heartfelt thank you to my wonderful team for all their hard work and loyalty, you made it even more special.”
Loyal customers have flocked to the comments of the post, with many saying they have been left “gutted” by the news.
One person said: “So sorry to hear this. What a loss to Merchant City”.
Another added: “Gutted to hear this. I absolutely loved Pania. Will be so grateful for the nights I had there.”
Someone else wrote: “This is so heartbreaking, really loved you guys”.
While a fourth shared: “This is such sad news. Pania has such a great vibe and unique staff who were the best at hospitality.”
A fifth chimed in: “So gutted to hear this, have loved my visits”.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
MANY food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.
Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.
