A Portadown bar has served its final customers after its owners took the “difficult” decision to downscale for family reasons.
J D Tipler rang the bell for last orders on Sunday, after 25 years and 364 days.
The moment was captured on the business’s Facebook page, with many customers commenting on the end of an era.
The off-licence part of the business is remaining open, however.
In March, its owners, the Busby family, announced the closure of the restaurant and said the bar would be trading from Thursday to Saturday only.
Speaking this week, Jordyn Busby, who has run the business with mum Vivienne and brother Dane, said: “It’s time for us to take time for ourselves.
“For years we worked and did it for the customers because we knew it was such a good community hub.
“Closing the bar was not an easy decision for us to make but it will be nice to have more free time and flexibility to approach other things as well.”
The business was started in December 1997 by Jordyn’s late dad Nevin, who died in 1999. Formerly The Killicomaine Inn, he extended it and added on the restaurant..
Writing on social media, customers have been wishing the family all the best for the future.
One person wrote: “Wishing you all the very best but oh how we miss our Tipler’s meals and get togethers! The best of luck for what’s ahead.
Another said: “Aww, can’t believe this. Thank you for all the hard work you have put in over the years. Was our family’s favourite place to eat, drink and be merry.”
Speaking in March, the family said in a statement: “Over 25 years our restaurant has been a meeting place for friends, families, new relationships, business meetings and more.
“We have built friendships with our customers, as have our staff and we have made more memories than we could ever have imagined.”
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