21/12/2024
This is a reluctant post but needs to be done. We do not like "Washing dirty laundry in public" but we have been left with no choice, due to the actions of the new "managers".
From February 2024, we rebuilt a business from the ashes of a bar which had been closed for a substantial time and had a dreadful name locally.
Reopening a rat infested, un equipped kitchen, rebuilding community trust in the bar, and providing a warm welcome to EVERYONE (no matter what football team, political view or religious view they have). We had a 4 year plan and were promised a 4 year lease on the bar. With the understanding that at the end of this time, the bar would be handed back, as a thriving business.
The lease never arrived, the lease owner would turn up un-announced and we had "moles" visit the bar. We have even been informed, since we have left, one of the people we employed were there to "keep an eye on us". Due to the lack of contract, and constant lies regarding the contract being "drawn up by the lawyer" etc, we decided it is best that we became employees of the leaseholder (as sub-letting is illegal in Spain).
As expected, there were losses made in the first year (albeit minor in the big scheme of things) these losses were advised to our (now boss).
We worked (on most weeks) 18+ Hour Shifts WITHOUT PAY to build the business for 9 months. In total, Chloe and Lee are due ITRO 3,000 hours of unpaid work (between us).
What is really sad about the situation, is the fact that the once warm, welcoming bar with a good reputation for both top notch entertainment, delicious food, and the best cocktails, is now a completely different vibe, and most of the messages we are receiving are saying just how much the standards have dropped. Not to mention the first ever, 1* reviews.
Even though we have left, we hoped the bar would go from strength to strength.
1st November, we made the difficult decision to give notice to the lease owner, as we simply couldn't survive on zero wages. We gave him until January 15th 2025. This was due to a few reasons:
1. We had not taken a wage all through the quiet times to keep the bar open. So we would have been able to FINALLY take a small wage during the Christmas & New Year period.
2. MOST IMPORTANTLY, we had taken responsibility to market Christmas Day and New Years Eve. Which we informed the lease owner about.
On the 18th of November, the lease owner arrived (un-announced) and said he was going to take over with immediate effect. Although very annoyed at yet another lie (as we knew that he had planned this), we organised to "hand over" the bar on 19th November at 9am. We went to the bar at 5am to ensure all the tills were ready for him, all the stock was accounted for and to ensure he could just walk in and take over. Unfortunately, he didn't have the decency to even arrive until after we left at 11am.
As we had opened the bar, we owned roughly €3,000 of stock and equipment, which he asked us to leave. We agreed €2,000 for this, only to receive around €1,400 to date due to a discrepancy in a stock delivery and the reluctance of the lease owner to actually pay what is due and agreed.
THE REASON FOR THIS POST IS TO MAKE 100% CLEAR OUR POSITION AND STOP ANY MORE LIES BEING TOLD.
We are now hearing from customers, suppliers and friends on the island that we "run the business into the ground", "run off with Christmas day and New Years Eve deposits". All of which are total lies and VERY unprofessional.
Please see the images below for payments to the lease holder totalling €1,000 (this wasn't the only payments made, but this is proof that we transferred the deposits taken for Christmas day etc).
As of today's date, the new "management" of the bar have not had the decency to contact the clients (all of which were supplied, including their contact details and all other information necessary to make the booking). They have not even asked which meal they want from the menu! How will they know how many vegetarian are booked etc?? This is the kind of BAD management the bar is now enduring.
To date, we have had a total 46 EXTRA people asking to book the bar for both Christmas Day and New Years Eve. Some of which have been passed to the new "manager" who has not even bothered contacting them.
*EDIT FOR THE SAKE OF FACTS* Of the 46 who have contacted us regarding trying to make bookings, we have forwarded a handful, of which, as far as we know have not been contacted as they asked us again a few days later.
Anyone who has any questions regarding their paid booking for Xmas and/or New Years Eve should call Darryl on +353 86 384 1592
*Edited due to abusive messages from the now manager*
So, no, we did not run the business into the ground. No, we did not "run off" with any money and yes, we are around should anyone have any questions.
