Community projects and other businesses will continue to use the Malt Cross as normal despite the sudden closure of its bar and kitchen.
The Malt Cross is in a Victorian Music Hall on St James’s Street opposite The Roebuck Inn in the city centre.
Workers at the bar and kitchen reportedly turned up for work on Wednesday (July 18) and were told to go home because it had closed and they were now unemployed.
The Malt Cross posted a statement on Twitter to thank staff and customers for making it a ‘great place to meet’ before saying about the future of the building.
The full statement from The Malt Cross reads: “We report with deep regret that we, as Trustees of the Malt Cross Trust Company and Charity have been informed by the directors of our trading subsidiary, the Malt Cross Ltd that owing to the tough trading environment for bars and restaurants widely reported in the press, they have taken the difficult decision to cease their bar and cafe business being operated as a tenant of the Malt Cross building.
“Please then be advised with immediate effect this Wednesday July 18 the Malt Cross building at 16 St James’s Street is no longer open to the general public for drinks, food and events which was the primary activity within the building.
“We are very aware that our award-winning cafe bar, at the heart of our building, has a place in the affections of so many who use Nottingham’s city centre.
“We offer our thanks for the dedication of all the staff, who, with our regular clientele, have made it a great place to meet, to be, and to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
“We do hope to host similar activities in the future and are actively exploring new possibilities.
“The Malt Cross Trust Company, a Christian charity, has responsibility for this beautiful old music hall and for community projects such as Street Pastors.
“These projects will continue as usual.
“Other tenants of the Trust: Handmade and Plates Records, also continue to trade in our building.”
We report with deep regret that…. pic.twitter.com/P3kcfmPCzC
— The Malt Cross (@maltcross) July 18, 2018
Market Bar on Goose Gate also announced its imminent closure on the same day.
A message left on the Facebook page says: “After almost 30 years, the Market Bar will be opening its infamous doors for the very last time this Saturday (July 21).
“There’s far too many people to thank along what has been an incredible journey, so we’ll do what we always did best and throw one final party to say goodbye to this fine city.
“Gone, but never forgotten…”
The reason for its closure is not yet known.
