Old Chemist gin bar in Abingdon shuts after managers walk out

The gin bar and smokehouse opened at Easter in High Street on the site of the former Smith's chemists.

READ MORE: Drinkers react to gin bar closure after managers walk out

But the first few months have not been trouble-free for the owners and they have let their customers know on Facebook that they will be closed for the time being.

The post said: "With deep regret we are going to have to cancel our singles night 😔

"Due to Cara and ( Lyndsey ) myself both unfortunately having had to resign, yesterday!! Following from this the managers have decided to shut the pub !! . (We don't know when it may be opening again )

"We are so very sorry for this massive let down !!! And any inconveniences !!!"

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Co-owner Terry Milne confirmed the managers left suddenly, leaving the bar no choice but to close for a short time.

He said: "We need to hire new staff and then we aim to open again in two weeks' time - we don't want to leave it too long."

He said the managers wanted to 'up and go' but he did not give a reason for their departure.

Mr Milne added that the bar has also experienced problems with pigeons in the back yard and £20,000 has now been invested in netting to cover the area.

He said: "There are one or two little bits we would like to finish, including flooring, and now we will have a breathing space to do this.

"When the managers left we were left with no option but to close.

"We look forward to welcoming customers back in a fortnight's time."

After initially estimating the bar would reopen in a fortnight Mr Milne then said the bar would reopen on Friday, August 23, with a new staff team, ready for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Some customers on Facebook have been giving their reaction.

Haylee Turner said: "I had this booked for dinner a few weeks ago, got an email the night before to say that the kitchen was shut so they had to cancel."

Tina Harper added: "Shame - I quite liked it in there."

The Tipsy Mercer, opposite The Old Chemist, won rave reviews when it opened in March.

READ AGAIN: New Tipsy Mercer bar wins rave reviews

The business is building a loyal following and is being run by James Salter, his wife Henrietta Salter-Collins, and her brother Joel Collins.

Drinkers in Abingdon appear to be acquiring a taste for gin.

READ AGAIN: Couple create tasty gins at new Abingdon distillery

Ben Blackledge has co-founded Abingdon Gin, the town's first distillery of its kind.