Cuckoo’s owners blame rent and rate hikes for closure

Cuckoo on Belfast’s Lisburn Road has pulled down the shutters for the last time after six years in business.

The owners of the popular student bar told customers they have resigned as tenants due to “unsustainable” rent and rates.

Owners Jim Crawford-Smyth and Kristian Nairn thanked the public for their support since opening, saying: “We’ve had an amazing six years at Cuckoo, but it’s finally time to go. We have never really fully recovered from covid.

“The cost of living crisis coupled with unsustainable rents, rates and other spiralling costs have forced us to make a tough decision. Therefore, we have officially resigned as current tenants of Cuckoo.

“We’d like to thank everyone that has come to our venue and events over the last six years. It has been an amazing ride!”

A number of their popular events including Disney After Dark and Fat Lip Tuesdays will be moved to their other venue Libertine in the city centre.

Theie statement concluded: “We would like to thank you the customer and all our staff and managers who have helped us and taken part in every party over the last few years. We couldn’t have done it without you.

“We believe that new tenants have already been found for the venue whom will probably make an announcement soon re re-opening in September.”