‘Oldest’ pub in Scottish city has shut down less than a year after major refurbishment
A long-standing traditional pub has closed its doors for good.
The Old King’s highway, reportedly the oldest pub in Aberdeen has shut down.
Posting on the pub’s social media, the owners explained the “hard decision” writing: “This morning we were due to finalise the details to a new multi year lease for OKH as our current one is about to expire …. BUT instead we have decided to put our notice in and our time at the venue will now come to an end as we shut the venue this afternoon
“It’s been a hard decision but the right one ……Thank you to all our staff , singers , DJs and customers! We took it from nothing to something
“It’s been quite a journey seeing everyone come through the doors and we made some great friends in the process.
“We celebrated special moments in The Nordic Bar with birthdays, engagements, baby showers and more…
“Our sister venue The Market Arms will remain open so come in by as usual to say hello Thanks ….. it’s been a blast Team OKH over and out!”
The news was met with sadness by followers, who mentioned the cost of living and how much the bar would be missed.
Comments to the post include: “You guys did a cracking job with the bar, bar trades nothing like it once was! Cost of living is too much, no one can afford to go out these days”
Another added: “You made such a difference and massive improvement to the OKH - sadly this is yet another loss for Aberdeen of a great pub and a wonderful and welcoming staff - take care everyone”
Located on The Green, the pub was close to the train station and underwent a five figure refurbishment last year by owner John Wemyss who called it his “biggest project ever”.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said of the pub closing: “The sudden closure of one of Aberdeen’s oldest pub’s marks a sad day for the social fabric of our city centre.
“Having first opened in the 1700s, we have lost another place in history that has helped shaped Aberdeen for centuries.
“This devastating announcement is yet another blow to the city centre and follows the closure of several other hospitality premises across Aberdeen so far this year.
“Pubs like the Old King’s Highway are the lifeblood of our city and I hope a new lease holder can be found.
“Similarly to Union Street, businesses located at the Green have been starved of footfall by the council’s deplorable decision to implement permanent bus gates and LEZs in the city.
“This has been compounded by National Insurance hikes, and the Scottish Government’s failure to pass on business rates relief available in the rest of the UK.
“Ministers must pause the rates revaluation process immediately and give full exemption to certain hospitality businesses before more pubs call last orders.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.