Phoenix Bar closing

New Plymouth's Phoenix Bar is due to close at the weekend.

Owner Mark Dawson told Taranaki Daily News the central city bar had been "hocked off".

He said it had been sold and he didn't know what the new owners planned to do with the venue that has seen several owners.

"I think they plan to refit it and open again," he said.

Mr Dawson would not make any further comment. However, on Facebook, Phoenix has been inviting patrons to list their memories of the bar, indicating it is shutting up shop.

In 2008 under different owners the venue, then known as the Outback Pub N' Grub, was the first in Taranaki to be shut permanently for breaching liquor laws.

Mr Dawson took over the bar and it re-opened later that year.

- © Fairfax NZ News