A cherished Yeovil cocktail bar is set to pour its last drink on New Year’s Eve. Plagued by the escalating cost of living crisis, the popular tapas restaurant and cocktail bar Kazbar was compelled to introduce an additional 8% surcharge on customer bills in August as a survival attempt. Then in November, they retired its tapas dishes in favour of a Mexican and Latin American menu.
But despite such efforts, the establishment has now announced its imminent shutdown. The owner of Kazbar, Matt Thackwell, expressed his emotional farewell through a post on the venue’s Facebook page on December 27 saying that New Year’s Eve would be their last night.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the sad news of our closure. We will be open as usual tonight and tomorrow, but the 31st December will be our closing night,” he wrote.
He added: “I am very proud of what Kazbar has achieved over nearly 11 years of being open. A big thank you to everyone who has ever worked here, and to all of our amazing regular customers over the years.”
In a statement back in August, Matt had previously outlined how severe the situation was, saying: “This is the worst. People were understanding during covid, but this is harder for restaurants as there’s no financial support.”
He also acknowledged that others in the hospitality industry echo similar sentiments: “I know speaking to other restaurants, they are in a similar position. They’re finding it harder than during covid right now.”
Comments under the post were flooded with support for him. One said: “What an absolute shame, you guys have been an integral part of Yeovil. But I also fully understand your decision.
“People of Yeovil have to support the independents rather than the corporate businesses. Sadly cheapness will always win. It’s such a hard climate right now. Wishing you all the best.”
Another said: “This is devastating news. I remember coming to your opening night! I used to come by often before I moved away from the area. Sadly Yeovil’s night time economy just isn’t there it seems like a lot of small towns. Instead people are happy to go to horrendous chains instead of fantastic independent restaurants and bars. Thoughts with you and your staff.”
A third said: “So very sad to hear this news. Many happy evenings spent with friends enjoying your cocktails. Our girls love a trip to Kazbar when home from London. Nothing else in Yeovil compares. Best wishes to you all for the future.”
A fourth added: “So sad to hear this, you have been amazing, many a girly night. Over the years, my hen do plus date nights with hubby all with fantastic cocktails and amazing food over that time. The current climate and cant see that improving hugely definitely made it difficult. Wishing you all the best.”
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