A well-known West Kirby bar is to close its doors for several weeks to be converted into a licensed cafe and deli.
The Abbey, on Grange Road, which was marketed as a cask ale & craft beer pub, will shut its doors for the final time on Sunday.
The owners of The Abbey are teaming up with Sarah Johnson, from The Little Deli, in Hoylake, to create a new cafe and deli in West Kirby.
Andy Cockram, who owns The Abbey, blamed high business rates as one of the reasons he has decided to redevelop the premises.
He said: “When we first opened in April last year, we were classified as a cafe but in September we were reclassified as a pub and our business rates trebled overnight. It just didn’t make sense and we weren’t busy enough to make it sustainable as a bar.
“While we are sad to have to close the pub, we are very excited about the new venture and the partnership with the team behind The Little Deli.”
The Abbey, which was previously the Rock Lobster bar, opened in April 2015. It will close for several weeks while it undergoes a refit and re-open as the yet un-named cafe and deli.
Andy, who also owns the renowned Irby Mill pub, in Greasby, and Sarah are currently developing their menu.
The Little Deli, on Market Street, in Hoylake, closed its doors in January after 4 years.
