It’s been announced that Ruddington’s trendiest drinking venue is to cease trading this weekend. Apotheka on Dutton’s Hill will shut its doors for the final time on Saturday (9th March) despite only opening after a major refurbishment of the premises just over a year ago.
Business owner Jack Robson reveals: “Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have made the bar untenable going forward and, as such, we have decided to vacate.” But he’s told RUDDINGTON.info that it’s not closing due to a lack of trade: “We would like to thank every single customer that has supported Apotheka and everyone who has helped during the past year or so” says Jack.
The loss of these premises at 6, Wilford Road has understandably come as a blow to Jack and his partner Jamie Sheppard – who spared no effort nor expense to make Apotheka rather more ‘characterful’ than its predecessor Bar Six – with a chic new bar, bespoke ‘rustic’ furniture, mood lighting and new spray artistry on the walls. It also underwent a major redesign to create staircase access from the downstairs bar to the new upstairs bar – and the introduction of a rooftop terrace known as ‘The Apothecary Garden’ which opened last summer.
As well as the previously established cocktails, gins, wines and beers, it also seemed the perfect venue for a new and extensive dining menu supplied by Jack’s existing company McArtney’s Catering which is located to the rear. However, Apotheka’s food service was stopped last November when the venue’s opening hours were cut back. Although the catering business is set to continue, this will also now have to be from new premises.
Even so, Jack’s determined to go out on a high note: “Apotheka will be closing its doors this weekend with TWO incredible parties! We ask that you DRINK US DRY with DJ’s both Friday and Saturday!”
After that, we’ll let you know what’s in store next for Jack and his team – and for 6 Wilford Road – once we find out more details.
