The Abbey Tavern - what happened?

lostinsuperfunk

I passed the Abbey Tavern on Gillabbey St a few weeks ago and it was closed with a small handwritten sign in the window saying "closed until further notice". It was a nice pub and did a fairly good trade I'd say. Does anyone know what happened there?
I passed again yesterday, it's still closed, and a quick web search threw up this.

gimmick

I would imagine, like many small local style pubs around the country, it has simply gone bust. Loads of pubs in its vicinity have closed lately or are closing soon.

Turners Cross Tavern and The Harp both closed. Flannerys closing and rumours that The Evergreen is about to go as well.

lostinsuperfunk

Turners Cross Tavern and The Harp both closed. Flannerys closing and rumours that The Evergreen is about to go as well.

Really? Suburban pubs are quiet these days but I would have thought all of those would have had enough business to keep going, and probably not much debt or rent to pay. The Abbey always seemed fairly busy. There are very few pubs left out on the west side of town now: Dennehy's, Crow's Nest, Western Star, Ardmanning, all gone.

calnand

Flannery's is closing in the new year as well

MrFrisp

gimmick wrote: »

I would imagine, like many small local style pubs around the country, it has simply gone bust. Loads of pubs in its vicinity have closed lately or are closing soon.

Turners Cross Tavern and The Harp both closed. Flannerys closing and rumours that The Evergreen is about to go as well.

Seriously?? The Harp is closed? Fook Me..Thought that place was a goldmine..In fact,it was a goldmine,,I used to work there years ago. Can't believe it..I did see a small sign on the door of it recently,but no idea what it said.
Turners Cross Tav closed too? Really? OMG like..
Flannerys too?
I did hear about the EverGreen a good while back alright. So no surprise there.
And the good ole Abbey Tav...Used to be a regular there about 20 years ago..Sad sad times.

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leahyl

Yeah, passed Turners Cross Tavern today on the way home - dad told me it was taken over by NAMA

Can't believe Flannerys is going - thought that was doing really well

MrFrisp

leahyl wrote: »

Yeah, passed Turners Cross Tavern today on the way home - dad told me it was taken over by NAMA

Can't believe Flannerys is going - thought that was doing really well

Terrible Terrible times...

And the government lashing 10c on the pint today won't help any other pub that's struggling.
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evilivor

MrFrisp wrote: »

Terrible Terrible times...

And the government lashing 10c on the pint today won't help any other pub that's struggling.
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The brewers all added their own 10c in advance of the Budget too this week.

MrFrisp

evilivor wrote: »

The brewers all added their own 10c in advance of the Budget too this week.

Seriously?? :eek:
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geewhizz

It's actually 10c plus vat so in reality 15 c increase and 1-23 on a btl of wine

Dob74

calnand wrote: »

Flannery's is closing in the new year as well

Flans closing?? Surely it makes sense yo keep it open.
Heard it has a massive debt but surely it's making money on its trade.
Would be a shame if it closes

gimmick

Ya, shocked with Flannerys, but its the banks decision it seems. I have heard UCC are buying the land for a carpark/Park & Ride.

The TCT has been dying on its feet for years. And given some of the stories I have heard I am not surprised. But the word has been that the bank has been running the place for the last 3/4 years.

minidazzler

I'm not as surprised as some at suburban bars going out of business. Look at how many took out huge loans pre-2007 to renovate and build state of the art smoking area's. Good in theory, but after the economic world went to sh1t less people in suburban areas were going to bars, and if they were going out it was usually to town.

leahyl

minidazzler wrote: »

I'm not as surprised as some at suburban bars going out of business. Look at how many took out huge loans pre-2007 to renovate and build state of the art smoking area's. Good in theory, but after the economic world went to sh1t less people in suburban areas were going to bars, and if they were going out it was usually to town.

Definitely, you're right there - business was a lot bigger 5/6 years ago - the more I think about it, Flannerys is doing well but probably not near as well as it was doing during the height of the boom.

lostinsuperfunk

UCC are buying the land for a carpark/Park & Ride.

It's not a very big area from what I remember, wouldn't be much good for a car park, and besides, UCC is skint. However UCC has made plenty of stupid decisions before so it's possible.

run_Forrest_run

evilivor wrote: »

The brewers all added their own 10c in advance of the Budget too this week.

don't forget the publicans, they usually add more on to the price also. Come on folks, pubs have been fleecing people for years and now something had to give.

It's sad to see the likes of the Abbey closing, it was a nice little pub. I'd prefer to see these super pubs and hotel pubs closing, the ones that increase their prices as the night gets later :mad:

MrFrisp

run_Forrest_run wrote: »

don't forget the publicans, they usually add more on to the price also. Come on folks, pubs have been fleecing people for years and now something had to give.

It's sad to see the likes of the Abbey closing, it was a nice little pub. I'd prefer to see these super pubs and hotel pubs closing, the ones that increase their prices as the night gets later :mad:

Agreed...Well said..

It's those places that up the prices as the night goes on,,the nightclubs that charge to get in,and then rip you off for a pint,,and then the places that just rip you off for a pint anyway.

That's why when We go out,which is rare these days anyway,,it's to Our local,,and not to town. Town pubs with their inflated prices can get their business from other people,not Us.
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RebelRed90

jesus sad to see all these icon pubs closing

MrFrisp

RebelRed90 wrote: »

jesus sad to see all these icon pubs closing

For the last year or so,when the Vintners were saying a few pubs a day were closing down,,I always thought to Myself they were going a bit over the top with the story.

But after seeing all those pubs listed above,,and been a regular in a few of them,,It's really now hitting home how bad the situation really is.
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MrFrisp

MrFrisp wrote: »

Seriously?? The Harp is closed? Fook Me..Thought that place was a goldmine..In fact,it was a goldmine,,I used to work there years ago. Can't believe it..I did see a small sign on the door of it recently,but no idea what it said..........

Reopening quite soon I believe, this week actually if things go to plan apparently.

Flannery's as a park and ride would be a daft venture, wouldn't fit 50 cars in there.

I believe The Bridgehouse (near Finbarr's hospital) asking price is under €250k, that's including living accommodation, even at that you'd be really hesitant I imagine the way so many pubs are going.

TheChizler

Dob74 wrote: »

Flans closing?? Surely it makes sense yo keep it open.
Heard it has a massive debt but surely it's making money on its trade.
Would be a shame if it closes

Very surprised when I heard this a few days ago. Meteor installed a base station on their roof a few months back and that's a guaranteed €20k+ in their pockets every year. Pennies in the long run I know, but the place always seems busy enough.

MrFrisp

TheChizler wrote: »

Very surprised when I heard this a few days ago. Meteor installed a base station on their roof a few months back and that's a guaranteed €20k+ in their pockets every year. Pennies in the long run I know, but the place always seems busy enough.

€20k would cover what they would have to pay to sky for sports coverage in a pub these days. I think it works out about €10k for the year.

It's one thing that people overlook I suppose..Most bars are under pressure to show matches to get the crowd in,,but the cost of showing those matches is just huge.

In My local the owner has got rid of sky altogether,,installed 5 different dishes,and gets the feed from a non-sky source. And it's all legal.

Plus,it's only a fraction of the cost of sky too.
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Sephiroth_dude

MrFrisp wrote: »

€20k would cover what they would have to pay to sky for sports coverage in a pub these days. I think it works out about €10k for the year.




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Holy crap 20 k


Can't believe flannerys and the evergreen are going.

TheChizler

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

Can't believe flannerys and the evergreen are going.

It was pointed out to me today that it could partly be down to St. Finbarrs Cemetery having sold all its spaces, a lot of Flannerys' business would have been the afters of funerals and they've been on the decline for the last few years.

rebel.ranter

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

Holy crap 20k

Nah, it wouldn't have been that much, I know this game really well, it might be a bit over half that. It might be a bit over half that, it would only be an in-fill site.

MrFrisp

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

Holy crap 20 k


Can't believe flannerys and the evergreen are going.

Read My post again....I didn't say €20k for sky in a pub,I said about half that..

"€20k would cover what they would have to pay to sky for sports coverage in a pub these days. I think it works out about €10k for the year."

Still off the wall price though.
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the beer revolu

The Abbey Tavern changed hands some years ago.
I remember going in shortly after and the pub just didn't have the same warmth and friendliness that The Abbey Tavern of old had.
Might have something to do with it.

Publicans need to wake up to that fact that just opening the door and selling the usual crap that passes for beer and wine in most pubs these days just doesn't cut it any more.

A pub needs personality, warmth, good selection of quality drinks, and maybe plenty of promotions or entertainment. Food can help too. And the most obvious, good staff.
I'm not saying that no good pubs have closed down recently but from what I can see, most really good pubs that are in tune with their customers are thriving and they are not soulless pubs serving just Guinness and Heineken.

Sephiroth_dude

MrFrisp wrote: »

Read My post again....I didn't say €20k for sky in a pub,I said about half that..

"€20k would cover what they would have to pay to sky for sports coverage in a pub these days. I think it works out about €10k for the year."

Still off the wall price though.
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ahhhh my apologies

MrFrisp

From what I'm just hearing,as it was posted earlier on the Thread,,The Harp is due to open tomorrow morning again.

Let's hope it stays open this time.
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Douglas Eegit

MrFrisp wrote: »

From what I'm just hearing,as it was posted earlier on the Thread,,The Harp is due to open tomorrow morning again.

Let's hope it stays open this time.
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You're not wrong. The judge initially deferred the case until mid Jan due to so much needing further clarification. This was all sorted out between 12 and 4 and the judge granted the licence.

As long as a good, fair, business is operated, yes, long may it operate.

MrFrisp

Douglas Eegit wrote: »

You're not wrong. The judge initially deferred the case until mid Jan due to so much needing further clarification. This was all sorted out between 12 and 4 and the judge granted the licence.

As long as a good, fair, business is operated, yes, long may it operate.

Ehhh...Judge?? Case?? No idea what all that's about.

While I did say I hope it stays open this time,I must add I haven't had a beer in The Harp in years..Just not My type of place anymore.
I used to work there,,and was a regular there,,but that was a long time ago.
I meant I hope it stays open from a business/employer point of view.
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gimmick

I hear The Wilton is about to go as well? Any truth in this?

Douglas Eegit

gimmick wrote: »

I hear The Wilton is about to go as well? Any truth in this?

Wouldn't be so sure about this. One of the busiest bars around by all accounts.

Yeah, the harp were closed by the revenue and a fight between the old directors who wound up the company back in JUNE and liquidated.

Company has operated since for over two years without a licence until being granted yesterday.
Lets just see if the harp will get their licence in paper!

Anyhow, if all these are closing this side of Christmas, imagine how bad it will be in January!

hufpc8w3adnk65

harp open again so?

MrFrisp

Kylie Moldy Tantrum wrote: »

harp open again so?

Yup,,sure is.
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TheChizler

Flannerys' car park is currently overflowing, they do a good carvery lunch. I don't get it...

leahyl

TheChizler wrote: »

Flannerys' car park is currently overflowing, they do a good carvery lunch. I don't get it...

Still mustn't be enough to keep it open, pity. It's the only place near my work where we could go for lunches out.

hufpc8w3adnk65

leahyl wrote: »

Still mustn't be enough to keep it open, pity. It's the only place near my work where we could go for lunches out.

used have the same prob

we go too city bounds in lehanamore now its only a 2 minute spin...food is very good

MrFrisp

Kylie Moldy Tantrum wrote: »

used have the same prob

we go too city bounds in lehanamore now its only a 2 minute spin...food is very good

Is it?? Must have changed so..We only live 2 mins from there,,and not long after they started doing food,We went over to try it..Goddamn,,it was awful...
We never went back there for food..
And,,despite living so close,,we actually very very rarely go in there at all.
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MrFrisp

TheChizler wrote: »

Flannerys' car park is currently overflowing, they do a good carvery lunch. I don't get it...

Same as The Bull McCabes I'd say...If it wasn't doing food,,it wouldn't be open at all.
I know a group of about 25 people that have stopped going into Bull McCabes because the price of the beer is gone off the wall there.
Hope it don't end up like the others there and closing down.
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hufpc8w3adnk65

Im only eaten there a little over 2 months but everything ive had has been beautiful.Its a small menu but very nice and is no longer carvery which is what i used hear people giving out about.

MrFrisp

Kylie Moldy Tantrum wrote: »

Im only eaten there a little over 2 months but everything ive had has been beautiful.Its a small menu but very nice and is no longer carvery which is what i used hear people giving out about.

Ahh,,very nice...

Must try it again so after christmas.
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hufpc8w3adnk65

Small standerd menu (Just too clear up) but daily specials on the board then each day...Also was told the chef there at the mo was the chef in east village till recently

MrFrisp

Kylie Moldy Tantrum wrote: »

Small standerd menu (Just too clear up) but daily specials on the board then each day...Also was told the chef there at the mo was the chef in east village till recently

Wouldn't bother Us where the chef comes from..

We don't get out that often anyway...

But thanks for the heads up.
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omahaid

Shame about the Abbey Tavern, I used to get lunch there every now and then when I was in college, nice place. I still see the owners in the mornings. Shame to see nice spots go out of business.

Nonoperational

Can't believe Flannerys could be closing. Hope it's not true.

grenache

If the likes of Flannery's is closing, then the pub trade in this country is well and truly f*cked.

the beer revolu

Some profitable pubs are closing down because of the debts incurred by the owners who thought they were developers during the boom years.

maxitup

That post is 1 year old now and Flannerys never did close. Been there recently and great craic. I did hear its under new managment. Anyway it was packed on a sat night, 3 parties on. I see on their facebook page some great bands on for xmas and lots of specials so roll on and Please Stop The Rumours,


And no I don't and never have worked there. Just hate too see a good pub lose out because of rumours.

Dbu

maxitup wrote: »

That post is 1 year old now and Flannerys never did close. Been there recently and great craic. I did hear its under new managment. Anyway it was packed on a sat night, 3 parties on. I see on their facebook page some great bands on for xmas and lots of specials so roll on and Please Stop The Rumours,


And no I don't and never have worked there. Just hate too see a good pub lose out because of rumours.

Its being run by an asset management co on behalf of a receiver so will be sold in due course

oh ya and nice plug...1st post and all that

TheChizler

Also, for the benefit of the thread, The Abbey Tavern seems to be up and running again! Advertising pizza and beer deals outside. Happy to see things coming back from the brink!