A popular South Belfast restaurant will close this week as it is "impossible to keep the doors open" due to rising costs and the impact of the pandemic.
The Barking Dog, which has been operating on the Malone Road for 15 years, will cease trading at the end of the week due to a number of factors such as rising costs, staffing issues and the impacts of the pandemic on the hospitality industry.
In a statement on social media, owner Michael O'Connor said that it was a decision that has been made with "an incredibly heavy heart" and thanked customers for all of their support over the years and encouraged them to come in and say goodbye before its doors close for good on Sunday.
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Mr O'Connor said: "It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I have made the decision to close the restaurant on a permanent basis at the end of this week. After almost 15 years of trading, it’s just become impossible to keep the doors open. With the cost of everything going through the roof, the after effects of the pandemic on the industry, not being able to get enough staff in the building to even open more than 4 days a week. Ultimately it’s been a battle for a number of years now especially that just doesn’t seem to have any other result.
"Unfortunately I know I’m not alone in this, with other friends in the industry having to make the difficult decision to close their businesses recently, as extenuating circumstances can simply make your working life untenable.
"That being said, I’d like to thank all the customers that have walked through the doors over the years and bought into the Barking Dog and its style of dining and service. There are so many regulars who will be sorely missed, but please know that you’ve meant the world to me and this restaurant.
"Some amazing staff have graced the floors of this building over the years, with some going on to have huge success in this industry. It’s been a pleasure to watch you Pups grow and develop into absolute Stars!
"Please come and say farewell this week, get any of those vouchers you were bought for Christmas used up as well.
"Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and for being part of the story of this wonderful place.
"The restaurant will be open this week as normal, from Thursday to Sunday. After that, the Barking Dog is away to live on a farm.
"Bye for now."
Were you a regular at The Barking Dog? Share your memories of the beloved restaurant in the comments section below.
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