City restaurant closes
A ‘ LANDMARK’ Glasgow venue has closed with immediate effect after more than 20 years in Merchant City.
It has been announced that Metropolitan Cocktail Bar and Restaurant in Merchant Square has closed with reports of 40 jobs lost. In a statement yesterday, the closure was attributed to a “perfect storm” of factors including the ongoing cost- ofliving crisis, increasing and unsustainable rent, rates and energy costs, and the fallout from the Covid pandemic “which continues to have a devastating impact on the sector”.
Metropolitan is owned by Kevin Maguire, a veteran hospitality figure who since the 1980s has played a pivotal role in a number of key projects to support the regeneration of the Merchant City area.
Mr Maguire has claimed that despite “concerted efforts to engage in constructive negotiation with representatives of Merchant Square” he was left with “no choice but to make the difficult decision”.
He continued: “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, said: “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.”