Mystery surrounds closure of two popular bars on Hartlepool Marina

Mystery surrounds the sudden closure of two popular Hartlepool bars.
Vibes is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.Vibes is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
Vibes is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.

Vibes and Rosie O’Gradys, at Hartlepool Marina, have not been open in recent days, and a notice has been placed on the doors saying bailiffs were instructed to take possession of the properties.

The bars, at Navigation Point, are now locked up, and bailiff possession notices have been posted in the windows.

Vibes is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.Vibes is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
Vibes is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
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The notices say: “Take notice that your landlord has this day 20th April 2016 exercised their right to instruct certified bailiffs to peaceable re-enter and take possession of this premises.”

They go on to say that any lease or license is “hereby determined”, that the property is now “legally occupied by the landlords” and warns that any attempt to enter the premises will be classed as a criminal offence and reported to the police.

The notices on both bars are addressed to G & H Trading Co Ltd.

Staff and owners at other businesses at the Marina said they didn’t know what had led to the bars being closed down.

Rosie O'Gradys is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.Rosie O'Gradys is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
Rosie O'Gradys is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
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Demi Mansen, 22, a waitress at Wallis & Co bar and kitchen, said: “A lot of customers have been coming in and asking if we know what’s happened and saying that there’s a bailiff notice in the windows.

“I heard that last week they were in Rosie’s taking furniture away, but then it was open the day after that, so I have no idea what’s going on.

“It’s sad to see bars shutting down on the Marina though, especially now that the weather is starting to get nicer.

“It’s been really busy along here the last couple of days, with people sitting out in the sun for a few drinks, and it’s only April, so it’s just going to start getting busier.”

Rosie O'Gradys is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.Rosie O'Gradys is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
Rosie O'Gradys is one of two bars at Hartlepool Marina which have been repossessed by bailiffs.
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She added: “I’m really surprised that those bars are shut because they were always busy.

“I know a lot of people who used to go to Rosie’s quite regularly and they said it was always full.

“It was a sort of place people would go after a few drinks to have a dance and sing on the karaoke before heading into town later on.”

One family making the most of the sunshine by grabbing a drink said they were sad to see venues closing at the popular spot.

Two bars at Hartlepool Marina have been repossessed by bailiffs.Two bars at Hartlepool Marina have been repossessed by bailiffs.
Two bars at Hartlepool Marina have been repossessed by bailiffs.
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One man, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “I just wonder if it’s going to hinder the Marina during the summer.

“It’s sad to see places shutting down, but hopefully different people will come along soon to open them again.”

Another said: “I come to the Marina quite a lot, so it is sad to see bars shutting down. Nobody really knows what’s happened and why they’ve been closed. It seemed to happen very suddenly, so it was a bit of a shock to everyone.”