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A popular Heswall bar has announced its closure with "great sadness", citing the mounting pressures facing independent businesses.
Franklyn's announced the sad closure in a Facebook statement, saying their reasons for closing are primarily due to increasing costs and overheads.
In the statement, owner Rob Murch said: "It is with great sadness that, after 14 wonderful years, we must announce the closure of Franklyn's. It is well documented the current pressures independent businesses are facing, with ever increasing costs and overheads and we are no exception."
The bar opened in 2012 and was split into two floors across the Main Bar and the Attic Bar, which was a popular area people hired out for occasions and functions.
The statement continued: "On behalf of myself and my family, I want to say a massive thank you to every member of staff who has worked alongside us over the years and, of course, to all our amazing customers who have supported us and made Franklyn’s such a special place. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and will always be grateful for the memories we’ve made along the way."
The post garnered over 120 comments of locals expressing sadness at the bar's decision to close.
One comment said Rob should be proud of running the business "especially post-COVID".
Another comment from a man who had a first date there with his wife, said: "Oh no. It’s where we had our first date over 14 years ago. This government needs a good kick up the backside. Far too many pubs and restaurants are being forced to close, with rising taxes and government policies squeezing already tight profit margins. The hospitality industry is being pushed to breaking point, and something needs to change before we lose even more of our local businesses."
Other comments wished Rob well, and praised his efforts in running the popular bar.
