Arbroath has lost one of its most popular pubs with the sudden closure of the Portcullis Bar.
The couple behind the business say they are devastated to have to call time on the Porty.
Jakki and Chris Henderson have run the busy pub on the corner of Conon Terrace and Hayshead Road for more than six years.
It’s been a popular haunt beside Montrose Road for more than 60 years and hosted countless functions for local families.
But the couple have become the latest victims of rocketing hospitality industry costs.
It’s a crisis forcing pubs across Courier country to the wall.
Sudden closure
The couple made the shock announcement on social media with what they said was their “deepest regret”.
“We really tried our hardest to keep on going but, unfortunately the rising costs of EVERYTHING just made it impossible to do,” they said.
“We felt now was the best time to call it a day and make sure the staff leave with something. Rather than a few months down the line, they get nothing.
“We are sorry it has come to this, no one is more sorry than us, but we have to now think of our health, our family and our kids.”
They added: “Things are now back in the brewers’ hands.
“We have no idea of what’s happening, and if or when the place will open again.”
“If you have anything booked, tables, or functions, please assume they will not be going ahead and please look for somewhere else.”
The couple added: “Thank you so much for your continued support over the years.
“It has been a pleasure. Many thanks, from All at Porty!
“Again, we are truly sorry.”
Locals saddened by closure
The Porty’s demise has been met with sadness by locals.
It takes its named from the portcullis which symbolises the town’s ancient abbey and also features on the club crest of Arbroath FC.
Customers have flooded their Facebook page with messages of praise for the quality of food and friendliness of staff.
Emily Morris said: “So sorry to hear that, had my son’s christening party and my Nan and Grandad’s 50th wedding anniversary there, the Porty is everyone’s go to pub.”
Local Jacqui Martin added: “Sad to be reading this but you gave it your all and you need to do what’s best for your health and the family. The rising costs are killing so many businesses these days.”
Another fan of the bar wrote: “The Porty was a fulcrum in this wildly changing world.
“It was Dad’s local, I drank and ate there whenever I was home, I worked there after Uni and to this day it was one of the most enjoyable jobs I ever had.
The Porty was part of being back in Arbroath. I’ll miss it.”
