This year has undoubtedly been a difficult one for most, with new challenges around every corner and uncertainty becoming the norm.
The coronavirus crisis meant we were put on lockdown and bars, restaurants and non-essential shops were closed for months - and that was before the second wave arrived.
This year, businesses across the country have struggled to remain a float, and sadly, many of them lost the battle.
Unfortunately, several Liverpool businesses were among those we’ve had to say goodbye to this year.
Below, we’ve taken a look at the bars and clubs we’ve lost this year.
Kelly’s Dispensary
Back in September, the Smithdown Road pub announced it was to close, telling customers via its Facebook page: “Thank you and Bye For Now.”
It closed its doors for the final time on Sunday, September 20.
But it might not be the end for Kelly’s, with the team adding: “Keep an eye out for what we do next........we will be looking for new premises and hope to see you next year when we can throw a proper party to raise a glass to Kelly's. Thanks again, it's been a great era.”
The Zanzibar
Music fans were devastated in August when it was confirmed that The Zanibar was to close after 30 years in business.
The Zanzibar Club opened in 1990 and was well known for championing grassroots music.
The team described the coronavirus pandemic as “a massive kick in the teeth for everyone”, adding that the entertainment and music industry has “had the roughest ride of all” during the crisis.
Due to wear and tear on the venue, it was left in a “financially unattainable position to reopen”.
Pi, Rose Lane
In an emotional statement on its Facebook page, Pi on Rose Lane told customers it would shut at the end of January.
The post read: “Due to a sudden and unexpected surge in overheads Pi (Rose Lane) can no longer continue as we have for so long and we have had to make the heart wrenching decision to close our doors at the end of Jan.”
The restaurant, which opened nine years ago, held a closing down party on January 31.
The Brink
Having opened in 2011 as the UK’s only ‘dry bar’, The Brink announced this summer it wouldn’t be reopening after lockdown. Pubs were allowed to reopen in England on July 4, but with a week to go, The Brink confirmed it was the end of the road.
Action on Addiction, which was the venue's main funder, announced the news on its website and said the bar had been “the beating heart of the recovery community in Liverpool”.
Volpi, Duke Street
After less than a year as Volpi, the owners of the Duke Street cafe bar announced “with a heavy heart” it was to close .
The former Filter and Fox had amassed a cult following since opening and was well known for its delicious pasta dishes.
In an emotional post to its followers, the owners said: “We have come to the end of a five year tenancy agreement and the end of an incredible journey.”
The venue was recently replaced by Sarto Luxury Tailoring.
Some Place
Back in August, the owner of the Seel Street absinthe bar said it had been “battered” to the “point of closure” by the coronavirus pandemic, as it was confirmed it would shut after seven years in business.
Scott Burgess said: "To all family and friends of Some Place. Over the years, Some Place hasn't been a bar but a meeting point for people of every persuasion.”
He went on to thank staff and customers, adding “Hopefully The Green Fairy will make an appearance near you soon, keep your eyes peeled.”
LIV Organic, Bold Street
After nearly three years on Bold Street, the independent and healthy living department store LIV Organic was closed suddenly by bailiffs.
An official notice from Parkinson Bailiff Services Ltd enforcement agents, dated January 23, 2020 was placed in the window stating that the premises had been repossessed.
The store sold organic and natural food produce, vegan beauty products and also housed a vegan café and Italian restaurant, La Casa Della Pasta.
Sanctuary bar
In June, the owners of Sanctuary bar said they were devastated to confirm its closure, after three years on Lime Street.
Describing itself as a "dive bar", "drinking den" and "craft beer emporium" Sanctuary had a loyal following of customers, who were saddened by the news.
In a heartbreaking statement, owners Tony and Hazel said the coronavirus pandemic had been the "final nail in the coffin" for the bar.
Folk
Folk in Liverpool's commercial district closed its doors suddenly in February, confirming in a Facebook post that "after a lovely three years in the business district FOLK has had to close it's doors for the final time."
The statement also read: "This has come very sudden and has surprised us all, but unfortunately this decision was beyond our control. We want to thank all the lovely people who visited us over these years, we hope to meet you again.
"However, we will still do our best to help and if you have any event or booking enquiries our friends at The Baltic Social may be able to help."
Veeno
The small but popular Castle Street venue was left empty in January with almost no warning.
After more than five years in business, Veeno closed unexpectedly with only the fitted bar and a couple of empty bottles left in place.
Veeno confirmed to the ECHO that owners are currently searching for a new home in the city.
Neon Jamon, Smithdown Place
Spanish tapas restaurant near Penny Lane announced it would close at the end of February after seven “amazing” years.
The small restaurant had been hugely popular and even attracted Samuel L. Jackson , who popped in during a visit to the city in 2015.
Thankfully all is not lost, as the team announced they would be opening a new restaurant concept called Berrington’s, which opened earlier this year.
The Bar That Stole Christmas
Perhaps least surprising, this pop up Christmas bar closed in January after five weeks in business .
The bar, based inside Collective on Seel Street, was the first to call the new venue home and closed with a big farewell party on January 5, to make way for another bar.
The Collective is a new concept, which will be home to five different independent businesses, spread across two buildings and three storeys.
The Bar That Stole Christmas has now been replaced with The Highball Club.
Olive
As lockdown restrictions began to relax, sadly the owners confirmed that Italian restaurant Olive on Castle Street , after trying everything to save the business.
The restaurant first opened back in 2004 under the name Olive Press and remained a family favourite for many years.
62 Castle Street Hotel
Another venue that never reopened after lockdown, the hotel’s owner said it would struggle to recover after the closure of hotels due to the pandemic.
Staff were called to a meeting in June and after being told the hotel would close permanently as of July 1.
The hotel is part of the Centre Island group, which includes Crowne Plaza by the Liver Buildings, the Holiday Inn near St John’s shopping centre and the Holiday Inn Express on the Albert Dock.
Midnight Lounge
The Victoria Street club closed this year, four years after it opened .
It opened in 2016 describing itself as “Liverpool's first and only London-inspired low-lit, high ceilinged nightclub and cocktail lounge” and attracted celebrities including Danielle Lloyd.
Hug-A-Mug
The family-friendly cafe in Gateacre announced in August that it was closing down after three years in business.
Taking to its Instagram page, the team said: “We have not survived COVID. We thank all of our loyal customers for their support over the past three years. This is a difficult time and I will see you all around the village!”.
Hug a Mug acted as a foodbank during lockdown, creating packages from donations and delivering them locally to those most vulnerable.
Wigwam
The Rose Lane cafe, which was popular with parents due to its children’s play area and baby-friendly classes, announced its closure just last week saying: “It is with great sadness that we are today announcing that Wigwam will not be reopening.”
The cafe opened four years ago after Aigburth mum Sue Kelbrick dreamed up the idea while on maternity leave and unable to find practical places to meet other parents and children.
Love Thy Neighbour
Love Thy Neighbour, which opened on Hatton Gardens in 2016, took to its social media pages to announce its closure in September .
The restaurant said it was with “sad regret” that it will go into “hibernation” due to the current economic situation.
In the message to fans, the team wrote: “It is with sad regret that we advise that due to the current economics of the world, to ensure Love Thy Neighbour can continue long into the future, we have taken the decision to go into 'Hibernation' for the foreseeable future - we will keep you all posted of how we are getting on, so for now it is goodnight and not goodbye.
“Thanks for your support & understanding. Any queries can be sent to hello@love-thy-neighbour.co.uk”.
Bloom & Bean
Another independent coffee shop, Bloom & Bean, announced its closure this week too.
Based on Victoria Street, Bloom & Bean has often been compared to a New York café thanks to its exterior, but sadly its team took to its Instagram account to announce the news.
The post said: "This is a very sad post we wish we didn’t have to write, but Bloom & Bean will be closed for the foreseeable future.
Chy
Lark Lane Chinese restaurant Chy closed its doors in November after nine years in business.
Chy Chinese Restaurant first opened back in 2011 and owner Adam Wan decided to close the restaurant after "pressures" from running the site alongside his new venue Yum Cha, which is also based on Lark Lane, took their toll.
Chy has restaurants in Liverpool city centre and Waterloo which are unaffected by the closure of the Lark Lane site and any upcoming booking will be honoured.
The venue has now become The Ink in the Well.
