Popular city bar calls time with antiques and art sale
Venue’s prized possessions going under the hammer after closure announcement
ONE of the Jewellery Quarter’s most quirky bars is to close within weeks - and is set to auction off its vast array of antiques and artworks.
Ana Rocha Bar & Gallery in Frederick Street, which offers live music and Spanish tapas, is shutting its doors from New Year’s Day due to the difficult “economic climate”.
The bar said its colourful collection of antiques would go be going under the hammer today, December 1. A message sent to customers read: “We are sad to announce that we’re closing down!
“Our quirky bar created so many memories for a lot of us in Birmingham and especially in the Jewellery Quarter, it’ll be sorely missed. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the Ana Rocha Bar’s journey and regularly came to enjoy evenings with us.
“Unfortunately, the economic climate has been too difficult for us to stay open and we will be closing from Jan 1, 2023.
“To thank you for supporting us throughout the years, we’re giving something back!
“Part of our venue’s speciality was all the unique antiques and artwork displayed around the bar.
“We will be auctioning everything off to find new homes on Thursday, December 1. Take an iconic piece of our bar, whilst also grabbing yourself an antique bargain by signing up for the auction.” On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the bar invited people to view the lots with expert auctioneers on hand to assist.
The West Midlands has been hit by a wave of pub and bar closures over the past few months as the cost-of-living crisis and rocketing energy bills take toll on the region’s boozers. Birmingham and its surrounding areas have lost some great places, including historic city centre venues like The Woodman or quiet village locals such as the Dodford Inn, near Bromsgrove.
Owners have said the economic situation has proved too much of an obstacle to overcome as the energy crisis pushes many other businesses to the brink of existence.
Part of our venue’s speciality was all the unique antiques and artwork displayed around the bar. We will be auctioning everything off.