Scottish bar group, Macmerry300 Ltd has appointed liquidators Blair Nimmo and Geoff Jacobs from Interpath Advisory, and will be taken over by Belfont Ltd, saving 63 jobs.
The company, which operated 11 bars in Glasgow and Dundee. was formed in 2014 and owned by Phil Donaldson and AJ McMenemy. The group's 63 staff are to be remployed by Belfont Ltd, which is also led by AJ McMenemy.
The estate includes: Abandon Ship bars in Glasgow, Dundee and a newly opened site in London's Covent Garden (pictured), as well as theme bars such as Bird and Bear, Draffens and Nola in Dundee.
In a statement, Interpath Advisory said, “Due to the detrimental impact of COVID-19 restrictions upon trading performance, cost pressures and recent reports alleging mistreatment of staff, the company incurred losses, which resulted in substantial liabilities being accrued.
“With significant financial pressure being faced by the company, in early June 2022, the director resolved that the company was insolvent and should be wound-up voluntarily. The company instructed Blair Nimmo and Geoff Jacobs to convene the necessary meeting of members and to assist with the creditors’ decision to place the company into liquidation.'
The news comes after a collective grievance was submitted by 70% of the staff earlier in the year, accusing the firm of breaching health and safety and Covid rules, not paying staff properly and of sexual impropriety by several staff. Also, Director Richard Davies stepped down in May.
