THE owner of a Bradford district bar has spoken of his "heart-breaking" decision to close the venue.

Groove Pad Bar & Kitchen has been in and around the district since 2018.

After enjoying initial success over in Otley, owner Andy Parkinson opened a second site on Saltaire Road three years ago.

A 'massive' hike in rent forced the Otley venue to close in 2022, leaving Mr Parkinson to put all his efforts into his Shipley bar.

However, the time has now come for him to leave the industry for good.

Inside the venue when it first opened three years ago."I have had to call it a day due to financial reasons. The bills are so expensive," he told the Telegraph & Argus.

"It was a heart-breaking decision I had to make on Monday morning when I thought I can’t do this anymore.

"If I got some funding, I would happily keep it going.

"I have never taken a wage. It was a labour of love for me.

"It is a really difficult industry. It is high-risk, hospitality.

"I have put every single penny I have had into it. There comes a time when I physically cannot do it anymore."

He added: "Things have gone up in price and people tried to suck it up originally. But I think it has just taken its toll on everyone.

"We were getting people in but they were not spending enough in here."

The bar was open seven days a week serving a mix of real ale, craft beers, and premium drinks as well as cakes and coffee.

Upcoming bands would also make good use of the rehearsal rooms, live acts performed, and music lessons were also provided.

"The grassroots stuff is going to be sorely missed by a lot of people," Mr Parkinson said.

Groove Pad hopes to go out with a bang on its final night on Friday.

Mr Parkinson's band Least We Got Shoes will be performing at the cash-only event. 

He said: "We don’t have much stock left so I thought we would do one very last thank you for everyone who has come in over the years.

"It should be a nice fitting end to say goodbye to everyone.

"We have had some amazing times and met so many wonderful people over the past six years, with three of them in Shipley.

"Hopefully Friday will be one last night to remember."