It goes without saying, but the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic have been brutal on businesses, and it has been no different in Swansea.
Lockdowns imposed by the Welsh Government in a bid to clamp down on the spread of the virus, and the subsequent enforced closure of the hospitality industry has put incredible stress and strain on owners, who have been finding themselves in the impossible position of trying to survive and meet the costs involved without taking comparable income whilst customers were away.
Whilst many have made it through and have begun to welcome people back through their doors after such a long time being unable to, for some it was a hurdle they could not overcome.
We've taken a look at some of those businesses in the pub, nightclub, restaurant and cafe industry who have had to make the toughest decision of all and walk away and call it a day.
Which of these businesses do you miss the most? Join the discussion in our comments section.
Calaca Kitchen
Calaca Kitchen, in Uplands, issued a statement in June explaining it was time "to sign off" as they thanked the customers who had visited since it opened in 2018.
Last year, the Mexican restaurant, based in Uplands Crescent, relaunched as a bar following a "difficult" few months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The venue began operating with a reduced food menu and introduced a new drinks menu, as well as a bar area inside.
A statement read: "Sadly it’s time for us at Calaca to sign off and thank you all for the incredible memories that were made over the past few years (maybe not this last year!). Above anything else we started our journey with a passion for great Mexican food and we wanted to share that passion with as many people as we could. For us Calaca was not just about the food, but the people that came through the door and the memories that were made. Calaca is nothing without the amazing team, customers and suppliers we met during our time... from the heart, thank you.
"We’d like to put a shout out to all the other independent Mexican businesses out there and hope our customers can offer up some of the amazing support we were lucky enough to receive. As much as we’re sorry to go, we feel very lucky to have shared Calaca with you. We’ve loved every minute, muchas gracias. Calaca out, Viva México."
Idols
Idols, which first opened in 2006, played a big part of a night out on Swansea's Wind Street, with the venue earning a huge fanbase thanks to its party anthems and cheap drinks. But it has been forced to announce its closure due to the ongoing challenges facing the sector.
A statement read: "After over 15 years at the heart of Swansea city centre's nightlife, it is with great sadness, and much emotion, that we have to announce the closure of the true Swansea institution that is Idols. The obvious challenges of the last 15 months, with more to come for businesses such as Idols which thrive on people coming together, not staying apart, have proven a step too far for this iconic venue."
The venue will continue to trade until Sunday, June 20, and all those who went to the venue over the years are encouraged to visit one last time.
The Kitchen Table
Highly-rated Mumbles restaurant The Kitchen Table closed for good in July 2020, citing the "devastating financial impact" of the pandemic.
The independently-run cafe-style restaurant, located along Mumbles Road, earned rave reviews for its home cooked and locally sourced Sri Lankan cuisine. It catered for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
A statement at the time read: "It is with immense sadness we announce that, due to the devastating financial impact of Covid-19, we have made the difficult decision to close permanently.
"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have supported us over the past five years and to our loyal customers and staff, we will miss you all and hope everyone is safe and well during these difficult times."
A new independent bar and kitchen has since opened in its place, called The Ponderosa.
Jones Bar and Kitchen
The wine and food bar in Mumbles decided to not re-open after lockdown. In July last year, the lease on the Newton Road venue was due to end shortly and its owner Adam Jones said he decided at the end of 2019 he would not be looking to replace it.
But he said the added pressures of lockdown had convinced him the time was right to say goodbye to the bar he had run for the past 11 years.
