'Take a bow':  ‘Lovely’ food and great memories recalled as famous Leitrim pub stops serving food

The well-known  Leitrim bar and restaurant, Gurn's Milestone Bar in Manorhamilton, has closed its kitchen after over 40 years of service.

The north Leitrim watering hole announced on Facebook this week that it would no longer be serving food due to the increased costs of doing business, though it will continue to do business as a bar.

Opened in 1964, the pub has been a key feature of Manorhamilton's social scene for over a generation and has fed hungry patrons since the 1980s.

Messages of support and tales of happy meals at the establishment flowed in online following the announcement. One said, “Great meals were had back in the day when I worked out in Manorhamilton HSE. Friday was our treat day, and Gurns always delivered. Take a bow, not every establishment can say they were in the dining business for 40 years. Enjoy the banter across the bar counter.“

The cost of running a business in the hospitality sector has become increasingly difficult to manage in recent years, with inflation, increased cost of ingredients, growing electricity costs, and a decline in footfall.

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“Such a shame. Always directed friends & family to stop for your amazing, delicious, mouth-watering food. Fridays were always the best… Chicken curry day served by the lovely Catherine Gurn. Such happy memories,” read another comment online.

The pain is being felt across the Irish hospitality sector, with prices rising by 2.7% in January, according to a report from the Central Statistics Office.

“This has been a very difficult decision. Increasing operating costs and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures have made it no longer viable for us to continue providing food service,” Gurns posted on Facebook.

The high costs in the sector have been a point of contention in recent years, and despite Ireland’s VAT rate dropping from 13% and 9% in last year's budget, the cost of business remains high.

Gurns, which will carry on as a wet pub, thanked their customers for the years of business while they served food.

“We are very proud of all the food we have served over the years. From everyday meals to family occasions and special events, it has been a privilege to serve so many people, families and generations in our community.”

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“We would like to sincerely thank all of our staff, past and present, for their hard work, care and commitment over the years. Their contribution has been greatly valued.”

“The pub remains open, and we look forward to continuing to welcome our customers and community in the times ahead.”