Popular Hucknall bar Damo's to permanently close 'soon'

A popular Hucknall bar has announced that it is soon to close permanently.

Damo's, on Annesley Road will shortly call last orders for the final time.

The bar which is owned and run by Damien O'Connor has been open just short of four years.

In that time, as well as being a popular venue for Hucknall pubgoers it has become a key component of the local community.

Damo's acted as a drop-off point for donations collected for those fleeing war-torn Ukraine in March last year with Mr O'Connor helping to coordinate the project and keep people up to date on where to send their donations.

It was also instrumental in organising and hosting the inaugural Hucknall Pride event which was held in August last year.

However, earlier today, Mr O'Connor used his business' Facebook page to confirm that he will soon be closing down, citing rising costs as a major factor.

In the post, he said: "It is with great sadness that I announce that Damo's will soon be closing.

"Forced with the well publicized [sic] challenges the whole pub industry is facing, the ridiculous energy price increases & other factors that have been driving us to this decision, Damo's unfortunately will be calling last orders and soon serving our final beer.

"The loss of Christmas business (Which is all too often the cushion that would carry a public house through January & February) means the long term viability of the venue is too uncertain given the continuing rise in costs of product's [sic] & utilities I simply cannot sustain or absorb any further increases.

"I am terribly sad to be leaving/Closing down Damo's as you're all aware I do have such an emotional attachment to the venue, have made so many friends, built up so many relationships and humbled that so many frequent the venue and support me as greatly as you do.

"I have tried my absolute best but it's simply not viable for the pub to continue with projected costs going into the next year, the proposed changes due in business tax, increase in beer duty, impending beer cost rise and ongoing energy and utility costs.

"I would like to thank customers past and present, the ongoing support from friends, family and regulars, in fact to everyone that has been a part of this pub's journey since setting up just a little under 4 years ago.

"It's a sad time for us all however there are other ventures in the pipeline and I look forward to enjoying a beer with you all on the other side of the bar and also excited for what my future holds. In the meantime I wish you all well & a happy new year for 2023 and look forward to still celebrating our 4 year celebration beach party.

"Should any interested party have an interest in purchasing an ongoing business/Assets please get in touch with myself personally where I would be happy to discuss any potential interest."

There was a huge response to the news on social media, with over 100 comments in less than two hours of the post being published.

Jan Lees, a well-known figure in the local community who has previously stood in local elections, led the tributes. She wrote: "So sorry to hear this Damo. I wish you all the very best for the future. You will be missed."

Another Hucknall resident, John Keeble, wrote: "Was speaking to a publican the other week. People don't realise how bad it's getting. You won't be the first or last. Bad times incoming. You'll be missed."

And Kim Pears, who runs the John Godber Centre in Hucknall wrote: "Ah no that's such a shame but understandable in the times but so cruel (as) you've made it through the past few years and kept going with a smile.

"Wishing you all the best in your next steps but hope the volume of love and comments shows how much you and the bar mean to the town…"