A Perth City Centre councillor has called on Perth and Kinross Council to assist bar staff who will lose their jobs when a popular city centre pub closes this month.
The Sandeman to Close After World Cup Screening
Situated in the historic former library building, The Sandeman will close its doors for the last time after showing Scotland's final World Cup group game against Brazil on June 24. The pub's owners, Stonegate – the UK's largest pub company – have pledged to support their hard-working staff and thanked locals for their custom, but stated that despite their best efforts, the pub was no longer commercially viable.
Regulars have reacted with sadness at the news, expressing they are gutted and feel for the staff.
Historic Building on the Market
The distinctive C-listed sandstone building with its iconic clock tower sits on the corner of Kinnoull Street and Mill Street. Built in 1898 and bequeathed by Professor Archibald Sandeman as a public library, the library moved when the AK Bell Library opened in York Place in 1995. The Sandeman then became a popular Perth pub for food, drink, live sport, and weekend DJs.
On Friday, The Sandeman team announced the sad news that the pub would close later this month. The building is being marketed by Right Move for offers in the region of £700,000. The two-storey building also has a basement and a number of period features.
Statement from The Sandeman
A statement issued by the pub said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that The Sandeman will be closing its doors. After many years of laughter, celebrations, friendships, unforgettable nights and countless memories, unfortunately the time has come for us to say goodbye. On June 24, we will serve our final drinks and close our doors for the last time.
“The Sandeman has been more than just a venue. It has been a place where friendships were made, milestones were celebrated, first dates happened, reunions took place, and strangers became regulars. Every person who has walked through our doors has helped make this place what it became.
“To our customers, thank you for your loyalty, support and for allowing us to be a part of your stories. To our staff, past and present, thank you for your hard work, dedication and for bringing life, personality and heart to this building every single day.
“While it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye, we are proud of the memories we've created together and grateful for every moment we've shared. We would love to see as many familiar faces as possible before we close. Join us for one last drink, one last dance and one final chance to celebrate everything that made The Sandeman special.
“The lights may be going out, but the memories made here will stay with us forever. Before we do, we'll be showing the Scotland game live, and we'd love nothing more than to spend our final day surrounded by the people who made this place what it was. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or only recently became part of the Sandeman family, come and join us for one last match, one last drink, and one last chance to make some memories together. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Councillor Calls for Support
Perth and Kinross Licensing Board convener Peter Barrett is keen to see the council point staff to where they can get support in these challenging times. The Perth City Centre ward councillor said: “I feel for the staff who are losing their jobs and who are the victims in this as Stonegate, the owners of the pub chain, try to cut their £4bn debts.
“I have contacted the council's Economic Development and Welfare Rights team to ensure that they are in touch with Stonegate and that all employees can be sign-posted to supports. We know these are really challenging times for the hospitality sector and pubs in particular so it won't be easy to walk into another bar job. Stonegate have been selling off a large number of pubs, over 100 in the past year, and haven't ruled out selling more.”
Stonegate – which, according to its website, operates over 4,500 bars, pubs and venues across the UK – has said its decision to close The Sandeman was a difficult one.
Stonegate Statement
A spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges. After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, The Sandeman, Perth is no longer commercially viable, and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue. Our priority is to support our hard-working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
