PAB Café Bar in Castlegate closes as customers thanked

PAB Café Bar opened in Castlegate six months ago but Peter Wilson, who ran the business with his son Ben, said it had been unable to generate enough revenue to cover costs.

The landlord of the property has now taken back control, he added.

When the business opened, Peter and Ben, from Holgate, told The Press that they wanted it to become a place for live music as well as quality food and drink supplied by local businesses.

“We take pride in championing local businesses,” Peter said at the time. “Currently, we’re excited to feature coffee from Devine, we’re also supplied by local butchers and we’re in negotiations with Brew York to offer a diverse range of local beers.”

Peter and Ben Wilson at the PAB after it opened (Image: Newsquest) But, in his announcement that the business had closed, Peter said: “Regrettably, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to generate sufficient revenue to cover our costs, and the landlord has now taken back control of the property.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited us, supported our venture, and provided us with fantastic feedback and reviews.

"The memories we created during our time at the PAB are cherished, and we are grateful to have met so many wonderful people.

“Thank you for being a part of our journey.”

Outside PAB Café Bar, in Castlegate, which has shut (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “We proudly launched the PAB Café Bar in February, making continuous adjustments to our menu, pricing, and marketing strategies to better serve our customers.

“Our commitment to being customer-focused allowed us to connect with the community and the many visitors to York.”

• Father and son combine to launch 'York's newest café-bar'

The business was Peter’s first hospitality venture, following a background in marketing and property.

His son Ben came into the business with a background in hospitality, working within the kitchen as a chef at Fancy Hanks, in Goodramgate.

According to a legal notice posted on the door of the bar, the landlord re-entered the Castlegate premises on Sunday, September 15.

“As the landlord has peaceably re-entered these premises and forfeit the lease for non-payment of rent, the tenant has at common law lost its right to remove any of its fixtures and fittings from these premises,” it states.

The notice, signed by Janet Keenan, adds that no one can enter the premises without the landlord’s permission.

All inquiries about the premises are being directed to Hethertons Solicitors.