Draft, the craft beer bar on Sale’s Stanley Square, has closed after nearly three years of trading. The bar’s owners said that they took the decision ‘with a heavy heart’, but cited rocketing costs of energy bills and other expenses related to the cost of living crisis.
They also took aim at the ‘lack of support’ for small business owners from the government. In a post to their Instagram page, which has now been deactivated, owners Scott and Rachel Millar said: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we post this today. Sadly with immediate effect Draft Bar Sale (Draft Beer Co Ltd) has ceased trading.
“Due to the cost of living crisis , rising energy costs and general lack of support for small business, we have had to make this difficult decision to close. We would like to thank everyone who supported us over the past couple of years.
Read more: Sale Foodhall announces it is closing down
“The biggest thanks has to go to our staff , our 'Draftonites' Katie, Charlie, Tash, Katrina and Rachel. Thanks for all your hard work. We will miss you Sale. Love Team Draft.”
Tony Martin, general manager at the redeveloped Stanley Square, said: "We are very sad to see Draft leave Stanley Square. Unfortunately various challenges outside of the owner's control made the business unsustainable for them and therefore Scott took the decision to close.
"We wish him and the team well and who knows we could see Draft return in the future." Another spokesperson for the development confirmed that another 'independent bar operator' is set to take over the space, but could not reveal further details as yet.
It follows the closure of the nearby Sale Foodhall, which closed a week ago today, after saying it had been experiencing ‘unprecedented’ rises in costs. “After facing unprecedented cost increases over the last 12 months, we are unable to keep the business moving forward sustainably,” it said in a post to social media.
“Sadly, we have made the decision that Sale Foodhall will close. We will be trading up to and including the 2nd April 2023. We share this news with a heavy heart.
“It is really tough at the moment for hospitality businesses, independent businesses, retailers, makers - everyone really! We know that you, our guests and followers, are feeling it too and we’re sorry that we couldn’t keep serving you in Sale.
"As one of the first independent businesses to arrive in Stanley Square, it’s been wonderful to be a part of the journey of the town so far. We have become so invested - it’s tough to let it go but we have not been able to find a way forward. Rising costs, especially in terms of power, have proved insurmountable for us here in Sale.”
Stanley Square has been transformed in recent years, with the old shopping centre now home to independent traders, bars, shops and restaurants, including Simon Rimmer's Greens and indie gift shop Idaho.
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