Iconic bar closes after seven years over ‘inability to pay bills' as owner says he's ‘devastated'
The Rock Box in Blackburn shut down last week, with ownership reverting to Blackburn with Darwen Council.
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Dylan Mitchell, who has managed the bar since July 2023, said the former owners are in discussions with the council about reclaiming ownership.
Previous owners, Andy and Karen Joss, ran the bar for four years before Mitchell took over.
In a 'tough' post on Facebook, Mitchell said he was 'devastated' that the bar had to close.
Mitchell said: 'After months of difficult trading, low takings, and an ever-growing inability to pay bills, Blackburn Council repossessed the building this morning.
'As such, the Rock Box is currently closed. There's a possibility that the previous owners, Andy and Karen will be able to reopen as the Rock Box soon. I genuinely hope they do, to lose another bar in Blackburn is awful.
'I put my heart and soul into the Rock Box and ultimately failed, and I'm devastated.'
At the end of his message, Mitchell added: 'Much love and keep rockin''.
A council spokesperson has said it is 'always sad' to see a business close, clarifying that the change in ownership was not the reason for the closure.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, executive member for growth and development, said: 'We understand that the owner dissolved the business in December 2024, however continued to trade. Unfortunately, he could not sustain the rental payments and handed the property back to the council [last] week.
'It's always sad when a business closes. As a council, we are working hard to support our town centres and businesses as best we can.
'There's already keen interest from a potential new tenant for these premises. We anticipate that the bar will be ready to reopen very soon.'
Fans of the bar shared messages of support for Mitchell on social media, saying The Rock Box had played a key role in supporting the local music scene.
'You did a bloody amazing job down there and helped out so many on the local music scene get their faces and music out to the people of a town where music and nightlife is being dealt blow after blow down to disastrous economic decisions by the council,' reads one of the comments.
Another fan said: 'Blackburn Council need their heads wobbling. How out of touch can a council be to shut down something so valuable to the local music scene.'
'Dude I'm truly sorry to hear this. You are a person that deserves the best and every single person can see what you did to form THE community,' commented another fan wrote.
'Be proud of yourself because a lot of people will back that up. You brought it forward as best as within your control.'
The Rock Box is among several bars that have announced they are shutting their doors in recent weeks.
The Cask Inn on Cambridge Terrace in Scarborough is set to close this Sunday 18 May.
The historic East London hotspot, The Gun in Homerton, has already closed, despite being hugely popular with locals.
More than 400 pubs closed last year as the total number of boozers reached an all-time low.
Some 412 in England and Wales — roughly 34 a month — shut and were demolished or converted into homes, offices and nurseries.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
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