Time called as struggling Bierkeller set to close
ONE of Cardiff’s biggest drinking venues will shut its doors for the final time tomorrow. The Burning Night Group, the company which ran the Germanthemed drinking establishment in Millennium Plaza, opposite the city’s Central railway station, said the main reason for the closure was the loss of trade due to the Central Square redevelopment works near the venue.
The bar is close to the massive development, which includes the new BBC Wales HQ and the longawaited bus station.
An employee at Cardiff’s Bierkeller said around 80 members of staff at the venue were told yesterday they were being made redundant.
A letter given to staff said: “It is with regret I need to inform you of the closure of Cardiff Bierkeller from Sunday, August 19, 2018.
“As an employee you will be made redundant from Sunday, August 19 and statutory redundancy will be paid alongside your final wage.”
The employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said staff were in tears after the announcement.
They said yesterday: “A lot of people are angry and upset, a couple of the managers were in tears because they don’t know how they’re going to pay their bills.
“The managers were told yesterday and when staff came in today we were told one by one. A lot of people are confused because if this place is going to shut down, why only tell us a few days before?
The company said staff from Cardiff would be offered the chance to relocate to the company’s other sites.
CEO of Burning Night Group Allan Harper said: “The closure of Cardiff Bierkeller Entertainment Complex has been caused primarily by the major city-centre redevelopment works surrounding the venue for the last two-and-a-half years.
“With further disruption planned, and the prospect of work continuing for another two years, the related trade impact has unfortunately made the site unsustainable.”
The company also has sites in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester and operates three different themed bars at each location - Around the World, Bierkeller and Shooters Bar.
Any bookings or events currently scheduled at the city’s Wood Street venue beyond the designated closing date will no longer be able to take place and those affected will be contacted with regards to organising a refund.