‘We are so sad’: York beer shop to close following ‘crisis after crisis’
An independent York shop will close this month as its owners look to ‘take a break from running a business in such turbulent times’.
Hop O’Clock opened on Colliergate in August 2019.
As well as selling a range of 130 different types of British and European beers, it included York’s only canning machine where you could get a unique can of beer on the premises.
More recently it added a pavement seating area where you could enjoy the beers al fresco.
But the shop will close this month – and is set to be replaced by a tattoo and piercing parlour.
It is run by Jimmy Hoggar and his wife Julia Virpi. They explained their decision on social media.
“It’s probably not a surprise that, alongside with many brilliant breweries, independent beer shops and venues, it’s also our time to make the decision to not continue our business,” they said.
“We are so sad for losing our amazing community, our regulars, all of which we feel like we can now call friends, but we are relieved to take a break from running a business in such turbulent times.
“There has been a crisis after crisis since we opened and it’s obviously taken its toll on all independent businesses.
“We want to thank everyone who has supported us over these years, you have literally made sure us and Max have food on the table – it’s that simple.”
They said it would not be the end of Hop O’Clock as a concept. “We will try to keep the community together with beer events such as bottle shares and tastings or just simply going to pub quizzes or anything social really.”
Customers reacted with dismay. “So sorry. It’s awful out there at the moment. Wishing you all the best for the future and hope Hop O’clock continues on!” one said.
Another wrote: “This is devastating and a huge loss to the York. You have honestly been our favourite place to drink and socialise on the entire planet ever since the first time we stepped through your door and the welcoming atmosphere you created at Hop O’Clock was incredible.”
The shop is now selling off all its stock, from beer itself to beer crate tables to framed beer art, chairs, shelves and glasses.
Plans are now in to turn the premises into a jewellery shop, body piercing and tattooing parlour.
It was previously home to ‘York’s strangest shop‘ – Pandora’s Box.