Hugely popular Portobello pub closing doors as owner calls last orders
Owner Amanda Caygill is ready to empty the bar before headed back Down Under to spend more time with her family
A hugely popular Portobello pub is set to close its doors as its owner prepares to pull her last pint at the bar before leaving the city.
It’s the end of an era for publican Amanda Caygill, who has spent almost two decades running The Espy in Bath Street, as she prepares to move back to Australia to be with her family.
And she has promised “two weeks of mischief” before she calls last orders.
Pub-goers can rest assured that the seafront staple will not be closed for long. It will continue under new management and is expected to reopen sometime in November.
Ms Caygill, who lives above the pub, said: “I’m going to spend these last couple of weeks enjoying The Espy with our customers and getting everything wrapped up after nearly 19 years.
“It’s really just time for a new chapter in my life. I’m moving back home to Australia to be closer to my family so although leaving The Espy after all these years is definitely bittersweet, I’m also really looking forward to what comes next.”
Pub-goers were quick to share their sadness when the news was announced, with one saying “you’ll be very much missed”.
Another, Kim Kjaerside, said: “Sorry to see you go Amanda and thanks for all you’ve done for Porty and indeed me when I was needing a job a long time ago.”
For the Aussie publican, however, it is not time to get sentimental just yet.
She added: “We’ve got a bar to empty so for the next two weeks we’re going a little bit nuts with ridiculous food and drink deals as we work our way through the stock.”