The city centre venue had been opened for 25 years
The city centre venue had been opened for 25 years
A city centre bar has officially closed its doors after 25 years. The Font on Arrad Street, near the Metropolitan Cathedral, has been a fixture of student nightlife in Liverpool since it opened in 2001.
The venue has been popular with students for decades thanks to its cheap drinks, lunch-time deals, nostalgic games and live sports offering. However, this will no longer be the case after it shut for the last time on Sunday, April 20.
Owner Matt Thompson, from Aigburth, previously told the ECHO that operating costs are now “unmanageable” and issued a warning about the future of independent venues.
The 43-year-old took over The Font in 2012 with business partner Ian Evans, but the venue has been around since 2001. Initially announcing its closure, the pair thanked customers for their support over the years but said that continuing is “just not viable for us anymore.”
They said: “Liverpool, so sad to write this but it’s time for us to say goodbye. After 25 years of serving students and locals it’s just not viable for us anymore.
“And what a 25 years it’s been, filled full of love, laughter, football, quizzes, burgers and cocktails. We’ve made the best friends with staff and customers, and this is what we’ll miss the most.
“Thanks to all who worked, drank, and partied with us. It’s been a ball, and we will remember it forever. Our last day will be Sunday, April 20, so please join us over the next few weeks.”
According to Matt, there were a number of factors behind the closure. Not only have they seen operating costs increase, but students are drinking a lot less than they used to.
Statistics show that around one in four members of Generation Z (aged 18 to 24) do not drink at all, making it harder for bars to bring young people in.
Matt said: “Students have changed. When I went to university, we had a beer every day. Students are more health-conscious now, which isn’t a bad thing, but obviously it’s not great for hospitality.
“Some of our rivals near us are doing amazing offers on beers. We can’t compete with that. As a student, I know where I’d be going.
“We still do our three cocktails for £9, that’s an amazing offer in itself, but it’s not enough to keep us going any more. Our Sky bill at the Font is almost £2,000 a month, and TNT Sport is another £1,500. It’s unmanageable now.
“I’ve worked in The Font for 20 years, and Ian has worked there for a good 20 years. We were university friends that lived the dream for a few years. There’s a lot of sadness, especially for The Font, which has been such a big part of my life.”
In a final Instagram post, the team said: “Font singing out tonight. Been a totally emotional few weeks. Hearing about first dates, marriages, Font babies, and so many stories. What a place it has been for the past 25 years. Been boss, seeing old faces and new.”
