Yeovil Cocktail Bar Kazbar to Close Its Doors – But Gratitude Appears Off the Menu
Yeovil is set to bid farewell to one of its venues, Kazbar, as the highly priced cocktail bar and restaurant prepares to serve its final customers on New Year’s Eve. Despite valiant efforts to weather the relentless storm of the cost-of-living crisis, rising operational costs, and changing consumer habits, the venue ultimately could not survive.
In a heartfelt Facebook post on December 27th, owner Matt Thackwell announced the decision, marking the end of an establishment that had become a staple of Yeovil’s dying social scene. The announcement comes after months of efforts to pivot the business model, including the introduction of an 8% surcharge on customer bills in August and a menu overhaul in November, where the popular tapas offerings were replaced with Mexican and Latin American cuisine.
A Hard-Fought Battle Against Rising Costs
Kazbar’s struggles mirror the wider crisis facing the hospitality industry. Inflation, skyrocketing supplier prices, and a squeeze on consumer spending have left many beloved venues across the UK facing closure. Kazbar was no exception, and despite creative changes and attempts to adapt, the writing was on the wall.
But while the closure of Kazbar is undeniably a loss to Yeovil’s nightlife and dining culture, it hasn’t come without a shadow of criticism.
Support Without Thanks
Local media outlets, which had previously supported Kazbar with free advertising and marketing throughout the year, noted a distinct lack of acknowledgment or gratitude in the venue’s farewell announcement.
One media representative commented, “It’s always a sad day when a local business closes, but it’s equally disappointing when the community efforts to support that business go unrecognized. Many people and platforms rallied behind Kazbar, and a simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way.”
Farewell Celebration Planned
As Yeovil prepares to lose yet another venue, the story of Kazbar serves as both a tribute to its place in the community and a reflection of the harsh realities facing independent businesses that are situated in the derelict town centre. While gratitude might have been missed in the final chapter, the memories forged over cocktails and laughter at Kazbar will remain cherished by many.