Owners say it is due to the landlord’s “aggressive stance” and serving of “a demand for Covid rent arrears”
The Woods at the top of Park Street(Image: @thewoodsbar/Instagram)
A beloved Bristol bar described as a ‘Bristol institution and a mecca for whisky lovers’ has announced it has closed its doors, putting the reason down to its landlord.
The Woods, which is located at the top of Park Street, took to Instagram yesterday (April 29), to say: “It is with great sadness that we announce that The Woods has ceased trading with immediate effect.
“Due to the landlord aggressive stance and the serving of a demand for Covid rent arrears, it has pushed business over the edge of viability.
“We’d like to thank you all for your loyal custom over the years, with many great memories created at The Woods.”
In the comments, fans and locals were quick to share their sadness at the news.
One called it a ‘big loss for Bristol’ and wrote: “Thanks for many a good night. Gutted for you guys.”
A second said: “This was a place like no other. Gutted to hear this.”
While a third said: “Sorry to hear this guys – great bar, cocktails, staff and atmosphere.
“Hope to see you resurface somewhere new soon!”
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BristolLive featured The Woods in its 2024 list of Bristol’s best and quirkiest places for cocktails, writing: “Almost hidden away at the top of Park Street, The Woods (on Park Street Avenue) is a Bristol institution and has become legendary within the Bristol bar scene.
“Though its speciality might be whiskies from around the world, The Woods also offers sophisticated cocktails, late opening hours and knowledgeable bartenders who, when asked to make a cocktail not on the menu, will more than likely immediately know how to make it to perfection.
“The bar itself is a cosy, stylish space and you can even hire it our for private functions.”
Meanwhile, SquareMeal’s review of this Bristol establishment said: “Decked out like an old colonial gentlemen’s club, The Woods is a proper drinkers’ bar – a high-ceilinged, galleried room stuffed with fabric-covered antique furniture, animal skulls and displays of dead insects on the walls.
“Aficionados of malt whisky can have a field day sipping their way through the premium selection of more than 50 brands from Scotland, Ireland, the USA and Japan (the bar even has its own whisky club with monthly tasting sessions).
“There’s also a terrific choice of rums and other spirits, which often find their way into cocktails favoured by the students, high-rollers and arty types who pack the place most nights. Beer drinkers aren’t neglected either, with local cask ales (served by the jug) alongside numerous bottled beers from around the world.
“Grub is limited to bar nibbles, and there’s a heated terrace outside.”
At time of writing, The Woods’ website doesn’t appear to exist anymore, it is listed on Google as permanently closed already, and the venue itself has boarded-up windows.