Developers move to retake possession of popular bar after months of uncertainty
The landlords at a popular Bristol development have announced they have been forced to retake possession of one of their units.
The Wild Beer bar was a tenant at the Cargo scheme in Wapping Wharf in Bristol but developer Umberslade say it has been forced to act two months after the owners went into administration.
The Wild Beer Brewery, which was based in Somerset, went into administration in December.
Administrators agreed a deal with Kent-based Curious Brewery. The brewery has bought the beer, brands and intellectual property of Wild Beer Co.
And now the bar the brewery ran in Bristol has been forced to close its doors for the final time.
Wapping Wharf and the Cargo scheme has been a popular scheme ever since its launch seven years ago.
Cargo is constructed out of shipping containers and is home to a number of independent businesses. It was originally intended to be a temporary scheme.
But a combination of rising costs and the closure of a nearby footbridge for repair has hit traders.
The Wild Beer bar had been fighting to stay open after the brewery that owned it was bought out of administration.
A spokesman for Umberslade said: “It is with huge regret that we have finally decided to take back the premises which is home to the Wild Beer bar at Wapping Wharf, which has been a valued member of our independent business community for many years and we’re really sorry to see them go.
“We have done our very best to support the team at Wild Beer as they faced financial difficulties but in the end, we had to draw a line.”
The spokesperson added: “When the Wild Beer brewery went into administration in December, we were approached by operators enquiring about the space at Wapping Wharf and we are confident of finding a business that can breathe new life and energy into this key location at the bottom of Gaol Ferry Steps.
“We’re negotiating with several businesses keen to take spaces at Cargo that have recently been vacated, so whilst it’s undeniable that our community are facing real challenges, as are businesses up and down the country, we believe that Wapping Wharf has a bright future.”
Tenants in the area include a supermarket, a yoga studio, a bookshop, butchers, a fishmonger and a mixture of bars and restaurants.
There have been a number of closures on the site in recent months including a takeaway and ice cream parlour.
In November, a spokesperson for Bristol City Council said work on the nearby Goal Ferry bridge is progressing as planned and the work is expected at least a year to complete.
A spokesman said: “The council continues to support traders at Wapping Wharf, and around our city, during a national cost of living crisis which is undoubtedly affecting trade everywhere.
“To keep the businesses at Wapping Wharf up to date with the works, the council continues to issue fortnightly briefings and answer any extra questions they might have.”
