Jimmy Marr reveals reasons for closing The Caird – and what it means for his other Dundee pubs

Dundee businessman Jimmy Marr has set out his reasons for closing The Caird bar and restaurant – and what it means for his other venues.

It was announced at the weekend that the Nethergate establishment – which includes the Capones speakeasy – has shut due to the cost of living crisis.

Mr Marr says huge rises in energy bills are largely to blame but has hopes that he may resurrect part of the venue further down the line.

The publican told The Courier that his gas and electricity costs for The Caird – a former jute baron’s mansion – are set to double to about £12,000.

Speaking after the weekend’s announcement, Mr Marr said: “Since lockdown ended, spiralling costs, a downturn in customers and difficulty in getting staff have come together to make continuing with The Caird untenable.

“These costs are just not sustainable.

“People are just not coming out the way they used to, quite possibly because of the current financial situation.

“The Caird is a big building to heat and I reckoned we couldn’t go on, with the costs set to rise again over the winter months.”

Mr Marr says he has taken the decision now ahead of the busy festive period so as to avoid taking Christmas bookings then letting people down closer to the time.

Speakeasy could reopen next year

He continued: “I am also finding it increasingly difficult to get chefs to provide the quality of food and service I want to provide.

“I am going to honour around a dozen functions already booked and open especially for those, and I am offering full refunds to others who have made bookings or paid for vouchers.”

Mr Marr – who says he spent “a lot of money” on the premises as the country emerged from lockdown, including setting up new drinking pods – has not yet decided what will happen to the building.

He added: “I am considering relocating the kitchens downstairs next year and concentrating on Capones.

“In the meantime The Tipsy Goat will open [on Tay Square] in November, offering more casual dining than the Playwright did, and also offering a cocktail bar and cocktail lessons that used to be held at The Caird.

“This has been a difficult decision to reach but I wanted to safeguard customers and staff and have worked hard to offer alternatives to everyone affected.”

Mr Marr says his other venues – which includes Bertie Mooney’s on Commercial Street, the Tay Bridge Bar on Perth Road and the Park Bar and Function Room on Lochee Road – are all safe.

A small number of staff have been impacted by the closure of The Caird but most will be moved to other bars.