THE BLUE ANCHOR

04/03/2024

I came across the Blue Anchor many years ago and had been meaning to invite friends for an evening meal. After a long delay, I finally phoned to book, only to discover they had ceased trading. I cannot remember if there was some street art associated with the restaurant when it was open.

The Blue Anchor in Dublin was a well-regarded spot, but unfortunately, it did close down. Here's what I could find:

Ownership: The Blue Anchor was owned by Marcin Dumanski, a Polish-born restaurateur passionate about bringing an eclectic mix of European wines to Dublin.

Popularity: It quickly earned the title of a "hidden gem" and garnered a lot of praise for its intimate atmosphere, focus on natural wines, and delicious food.

You can find several positive reviews online, indicating it was quite popular:

Type of Food: The food style focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients crafted into simple yet flavorful dishes designed to complement the unique wine selection.

Think charcuterie boards, interesting salads, and European-inspired mains.

When & Why it Closed: Unfortunately, I couldn't find a precise date on when The Blue Anchor ceased trading. The reasons for closure are often complex for small businesses. Likely, a combination of factors played a role, including:

Rising costs: Even before the current cost-of-living crisis, small restaurants face slim profit margins. Increased costs can make it unsustainable.

Location: While charming, its tucked-away location might have made it harder to attract regular foot traffic compared to a main street venue.

The Blue Anchor's Legacy

Despite its closure, The Blue Anchor clearly left a positive impression on the Dublin dining scene. It provided a unique and memorable experience that, even for a short while, brought joy to food and wine lovers in the city.

There has been a significant rise in restaurant and pub closures in Ireland, particularly Dublin. Here's a breakdown of the reasons and some statistics to support it:

Reasons for Closures:

Rising Costs: The hospitality industry is facing a multitude of rising costs, including:

Increased minimum wage requirements

Additional sick pay for employees

Upcoming pension auto-enrolment

Higher PRSI (pay-related social insurance)

VAT (value-added tax) hikes

Significant increases in supplier costs for food and beverages

Cost of Living Crisis:  These rising business costs coincide with a general increase in the cost of living, putting a strain on consumer spending. People may be eating out less often due to tighter budgets.

Statistics on Closures:

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) estimates over 300 restaurants have closed in Ireland in the last six months (as of February 2024) [RAI source].

Dublin appears to be particularly affected, with news articles citing numerous closures in recent weeks.

Additional Factors:

While rising costs are the main culprit, other factors might also play a role:

Competition: The restaurant and pub scene is competitive, and some businesses may struggle to stand out.

Changing Consumer Preferences: Dining trends and customer preferences might be evolving, leaving some establishments behind.

Uncertain Future:

The RAI has warned that the situation is critical for the hospitality industry, and closures could continue at a concerning rate.

Here are some resources for further reading:

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI): https://www.rai.ie/