Scrooges Wine Bar will not reopen in Blackpool after deal is signed with Blackpool Council for a redevelopment project

Scrooges Tavern Blackpool is one of the properties that has been released by Maria and Owen Pouncy in a redevelopment deal with Blackpool Council and will not reopen its doors

In what Owen and Maria Pouncy have said was a very difficult decision, the Milbourne Street wine bar alongside other properties in their portfolio have been sold in a redevelopment deal with Blackpool Council.

In a statement released on their Facebook page the couple said it was 'hard to walk away from a hugely successful business but even harder to walk away from a way of life.'

They added they were now seeking a possible new venue for a Scrooges II should an opportunity arise.

There has been a strong reaction to the news from loyal customers, who have been sharing their memories of the wine bar, as the news was quickly shared across social media late this afternoon.

Locals called it 'sad times' for the resort and posting on the Scrooges Facebook page Joe Gerrard posted: "Some of my best nights have been in Scrooge’s.

"So hopeful you do get a Scrooge’s 2. Thank you for all the good times."

The statement which was posted by the couple at 4pm today reads: "It is with a VERY heavy heart that we have to announce, that the award winning Scrooges Bar will not open its friendly doors again .

"The council have been wanting Scrooges Bar, Reform Health Club and several other land and properties we own in the town centre for redevelopment for some time now and a deal has finally been done

"It is always hard to walk away from a hugely successful business, but even harder to walk away from a way of life and probably losing contact with some of the soundest customers any bar could ask for. Scrooges will miss you all loads.

"The worst thing for us is that due to Covid, we don’t get to have one last party. You don’t get to have one last mental sesh with all your mates.

"There will be no photographs on socials of an amazing sending off party... and that is always gonna be sad for us.

"But lets remember the good times because there were loads of them.

"Let’s remember all the amazing parties we had and hopefully if we can find a new building.... then lets open up somewhere else. Who is up for Scrooges 2?

We are game if you are?

"Thanks to all our absolutely amazingly loyal customers and staff who came to see us week after week. We will sincerely miss you all."

More to follow.