Boss at under-fire bar chain steps down after ‘difficult’ few months

Aboss at an underfire Dundee bar chain has announced he is stepping down with immediate effect and closing his clothing business.

Richard Davies was one of the businessmen running Abandon Ship and Macmerry 300 – which have several venues in the city centre.

He is also the founder of Abandon Ship Apparel (ASA), the clothing line which inspired the bar of the same name on Whitehall Crescent, which is adorned in Mr Davies’ distinctive artwork.

In January, the union Unite released a dossier containing allegations about the mistreatment of staff at the firms.

Bosses have since vowed to address the issues raised – including appointing an external investigator to assess their handling of claims of sexual misconduct against some staff members.

Now, Mr Davies has issued a statement on social media announcing he is stepping down from Abandon Ship Bars with immediate effect, ceasing all involvement with the venues.

He did not give an exact reason for his decision, but said recent months have been “incredibly difficult for all involved, not just myself ”.

“I had a frank and honest conversation with my business partner and operator of the bars and unfortunately we both realised that we have different paths we wish to take and that change was necessary,” the post read.

“The decision was made that I step away from the business immediately.

“I wish them all the luck with whatever the future holds for them and the venues.

“I love the Abandon Ship Bars. My heart is literally scrolled across the walls.

“The positive conversations and moments shared at those bars will live with me forever.

“They have helped me during some of the darkest times I’ve faced.

“Unfortunately, swimming against the current has to come to an end but I hope to remain a friend and customer to the bars.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of these experiences as I have learned so much and developed so many important relationships.”

On his decision to close Abandon Ship Apparel at the same time, Mr Davies said: “I have always said the brand will end on my terms and this feels like the time for me to make a final bow.

“It will take a few months to wrap up but I will be open and transparent, as always, while I go through that process.

“I will also cease to release new art or create murals as ‘Abandon Ship Art’ and will no longer use the moniker ‘Rich Abandon Ship’ moving forward.”

Macmerry’s managing director Phil Donaldson said: “Change is always necessary for progression, both in your personal and your working life.”

Unite’s hospitality organiser Bryan Simpson says he is “disappointed” to see Mr Davies leave.

He says the union is still looking for issues to be addressed, including the ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.

Macmerry 300 runs Dundee venues Abandon Ship, Bird & Bear, Nola, Draffens, the King of Islington, the Blue Room, and Franks in Dundee, as well as venues in Glasgow.

CHANGE: Richard Davies has announced he will be stepping down from Abandon Ship and Macmerry 300 bars with immediate effect and will also wrap up his clothing brand Abandon Ship Apparel.