Glasgow Merchant Square bar announces 'difficult decision' to close after 20 years

A popular Glasgow bar has announced its immediate closure after over 20 years of business

Metropolitan Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, which opened its doors in the city’s Merchant Square in 2002, closed immediately on Tuesday with 40 jobs lost as a result.

The closure was attributed to a “perfect storm” of factors including the cost of living crisis, increasing rent and energy costs, and the fallout from the pandemic.

The bar is owned by Kevin Maguire, a veteran hospitality figure who has worked on a number of key projects since the 1980s – including the redevelopment of Merchant Square itself.

Mr Maguire said: “Despite concerted efforts on our part to engage in constructive negotiation with representatives of Merchant Square, it was made clear that we had no choice but to take this difficult decision.

“First and foremost, I am absolutely devastated for our dedicated team whose hard work and commitment has made Metropolitan one of the city’s most popular venues.

“It is heartbreaking that so many negative factors have come about at the same time making it impossible for Merchant Square’s flagship and arguably most recognisable outlet to remain viable.

“Merchant Square in general and Metropolitan in particular have been a huge part of my life and that of my team for many years so as you can imagine, to now be in this position through no fault of our own, is disheartening to say the least.”

Julie Edwin, spokesperson for Merchant Square, added: “Metropolitan has been a tenant at Merchant Square for many years and an integral part of the Glasgow cocktail and dining scene, contributing to Merchant Square’s unique identity.

“Merchant Square has been going through a number of changes in recent months, welcoming vibrant new tenants to the Square as we respond to what customers now want.

“We therefore look forward to continuing to embrace and welcome new operators to Merchant Square as the offer continues to grow and evolve.”