EXCLUSIVEPunters blast owners of alcohol-free bar selling VERY expensive mocktails after it closes in just eight months and say 'what did they expect?'
- Those online didn't quite understand the concept and how it differed from a cafe
- READ MORE: Woman slammed after leaving wedding to go to a BAR upon finding out they weren't serving alcohol - so would YOU do the same?
Owners of an alcohol-free bar which has had to close after just eights have been slammed for the 'bonkers idea'.
The sober Manchester pop-up bar Love From last week shut it doors due to money problems.
And the decision has not come as a surprise to neighbours as well as people enjoying the nightlife in the nearby gay village.
The booze-free bar is part of the city centre's Kampus neighbourhood but opposite Canal Street which is packed with late-night bars and clubs.
Warehouse worker Ronnie Fox, 67, said: 'It's a terrible place to put it, right next to late-nights bars and clubs.
Manchester's first alcohol-free bar Love From has been forced to close 'with immediate effect'
Owners of an alcohol-free bar which has had to close after just eights have been slammed for the 'bonkers idea'. Pictured: A pop up of the Love Free bar
'Personally I like to have a few pints when I got out and I think most people do.
'Even if you don't want to alcohol you can get soft drinks in a pub.
'I don't there was any need for a separate place.'
IT worker Krzysztof Dron, 28, said: 'I think they have proved when happens when you open a bar with no alcohol.
'It seemed a pretty crazy idea.'
Local resident Mariana Lanzini, 29, said: 'I live just round the corner and it always seemed busy with different events on.
'But what were they expecting? You can sell that many non-alcoholic drinks.
'When people get drunk, they tend to spend more money.'
Her boyfriend Yuuki Hachitori, also 29, said: 'It was different having somewhere
Customer services advisor Jacqueline Bullock, 65, said: 'I don't know what they were thinking.
'People don't want to spend a lot of money on non-alcoholic drinks.
'There is a place for them, but a special bar is not the place.
'It was a pretty bonkers decision to open it.'
Drinks list from the Love Bar pop-up. Founder Karl Considine launched the bar in January but has now admitted defeat due to 'our financial situation'
The bar sold alcohol-free beers for £5, while sober cocktails were priced at £7.50 each
Founder Karl Considine launched the bar in January but has now admitted defeat due to 'our financial situation'.
In a video posted to Instagram earlier this month Karl admitted the venture had been 'really tough'.
He said: 'Gutted that it has come to this but also super proud of how amazing this year has been for us and this is genuinely just the start of our next chapter so look out!'
The bar sold alcohol-free beers for £5, while sober cocktails were priced at £7.50 each.
These included 'Keep The Paloma Faith', which included non-alcoholic spirit Pentire Aeaward, lime, agave nectar, grapefruit soda and salt.
Meanwhile 'It's Giving English Garden' consisted of Pentire Adrift, apple, honey, lemon, soda and a spring of thyme.
The menu also featured a non-alcohol take on a mojito called Let's Get Mythical and a city special called Manchester Tart.
During its eight months in action Love From also hosted cocktail masterclasses, art workshops and live music sessions.
Love From, located in the Kampus neighbourhood in Manchester city centre, was described as a space 'for those who are off the booze, sober-curious or just looking for something outside of their norm to try'
'Keep The Paloma Faith' included non-alcoholic spirit Pentire Aeaward, lime, agave nectar, grapefruit soda and salt
Speaking about the possibility of creating a permanent space in the future, he said: 'Financially I just can't make it work. An alcohol-free bar is a massive niche...'
But he added: 'It's been bloody amazing. It's been so good. This is just the start for us so watch this space because there's so much more to come.'
Podcast host Karl had left his 15-year corporate to pursue Love From full time after being sober for three and a half years.
He hoped to create a safe space for those who don't want to drink alcohol on a night out, and will be continuing to host various pop-ups in the future.
Many were devastated at the news, writing: 'Such a shame - was hoping to visit before you closed! Good luck on Saturday and hope to see you somewhere else!'
'Such a shame! Gutted I haven't yet been able to make it. Good luck with whatever the future holds! I'm so glad you brought this to Manchester ❤'
But others were more sceptical, saying: 'Incredible. It's already closing. What a city…';
Online, many called the sudden closure 'a great shame', but others were more sceptical of the concept and asked: 'What did you expect?'
'Was never a good idea was it';
'What did they expect? Should've just opened a cafe';
'Alcohol free bar, is this like a cafe that doesn't serve food??';
'I called it.'
At Love From's launch in January, Karl wrote on Instagram: 'Get ready for a whole new world of delicious, inventive, and alcohol-free drinks that will tantalize your taste buds without the morning-after regrets✨
'But that's not all! Love From is more than just a bar; it's a space for vibrant, alternative events and a place for you to forge connections with like-minded souls.
'Join us on this journey as we embark on a mission to redefine your experience of being in a bar.
'Let's raise our glasses (of sparkling, booze-free goodness, of course!) to new beginnings, unforgettable memories, and a whole lotta love.'
