Liquidators report on reason for Wellington’s Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe closing after 25 years

Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe in downtown Wellington closed its doors in January. Photo / Nick Servian

Liquidators have given three reasons for the closure of popular Wellington establishment Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe.

The bar, owned by long-time publican Russel Scott, closed its doors in January after 25 years in business.

In March, the company, trading as Belgian Beer Cafe (Wellington) Ltd, was tipped into liquidation by shareholder appointment.

In their first report, liquidators Iain Shephard and Jessica Kellow of BDO Wellington outlined why the company went into liquidation.

“The liquidators understand that the end of the lease was [the] main reason for the closure of the business as well [as] a downturn in revenue and the owner shifting financial priorities to other existing companies,” the report said.

The liquidators said they were informed by the director that all trade creditors had been paid prior to the liquidation.

Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe was opened in June 2000.

Announcing its closure on Facebook, Scott said they were “so grateful for the support, memories and community over the years”.

Wellington has been hit by the closure of some of its most iconic hospitality venues over the past couple of years.

Last month, cocktail bar Crumpet announced it was shutting its doors after a 14-year run.

The bar had a prime location on Manners St in central Wellington, attached to the historic Opera House theatre.

The owners cited “the situation with the building and our lease” but the closure would give them “capacity to focus on new aspirations and career paths”.

In January, cafe Spruce Goose announced it was closing after more than a decade after being unable to secure a new lease.

Last year, popular inner-city pub Fortune Favours went into liquidation after eight years in business.

Seen as one of the capital’s most successful breweries, Fortune Favours brewed over 500 unique varieties, including New Zealand’s strongest beer, the 31% ABV “Hyper Fuel”.

It had claimed first place at the country’s biggest beer festival just a day before the owners announced its closure, citing rising operation costs and the cost-of-living crisis.

The economic crunch also claimed other Wellington establishments, including wine bar Plonk and games store and cafe Caffeinated Dragon Games.