Saturday 22 November 2008

The Lobster Pot: A Sad Episode In Its Long History


Another title could be The Lobster Pot: Its Rise And Fall. I have been so curious about the commercial circumstances of the Lobster Pot Bar and Restaurant in Strangford, County Down, that I trawled Google this morning with the entry "Lobster Pot Liquidation". Perhaps my first name ought to be Sherlock.

My recollections of the original Lobster Pot are written here.

Our last meal there is recorded here.

On the second or third page, I noticed this legal statement in the Belfast Gazette:-

Date:
12 September 2008
Issue Number:7014
Page number:1094
Publication Date: Friday, 12 September 2008
Notice Code: 2443
Appointment of Liquidators
Pursuant to Article 95 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989
Company Number: NI 031377
Name of Company: THE LOBSTER POT (STRANGFORD) LIMITED
Nature of Business: To carry on the business of Restaurant Proprietors etc.
Type of Liquidation: Creditors
Address of Registered Office: 9/11 The Square, Strangford Co. Down, BT30 7ND
Liquidator’s Name: Desmond Lynchehaun, Lynchehaun & Associates Ltd, Suite 1, First Floor, Benmore House, 343/353 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7EP
Offiice Holder Number: GBNI 046
Date of Appointment: 2nd September 2008
By whom appointed: Creditors
(2443/95)

It is inconceivable that the Lobster Pot's doors shall remain closed for good. Previous owners, Messrs Johnson, McMorrow & Dabbernig excluded, have spent a small fortune in gutting out and dumping any vestiges of the original restaurant, which was renowned as being one of the most successful establishments in County Down during the seventies and eighties. To my mind, it was a fundamental error of judgement to do this. Whilst it may have needed some minor redecoration, new upholstery and paintwork in keeping with its ambiance, it was foolish to spend money gutting the heart out of the dear old girl. They may as well have changed the name. Her heart was mercilessly ripped out, thus making her utterly unrecognizable and a faint shadow of her former glory.

The Lobster Pot was never the same, to me, as a consequence of this action. It thrived in the safe hands of Dr Johnston in the sixties; and Seamus McMorrow during the seventies and eighties. Things changed during the nineties, under the ownership of Walter Dabbernig and I believe the Lobster Pot was never the same again.

I hope it isn't long before it re-opens. By the way, the tiny illustration at the top shows the Lobster Pot as it was in more prosperous times, as I'd wish to remember it. It may well be gathered that I am very annoyed about what has happened to the Lobster Pot, because I care about it and hold many happy memories of former times spent there with my friends and family.








9 comments :

Anonymous said...

This comes as a blow to me, too. My wife and her parents were frequent customers in the heydays. I was fortunate enough to dine there before the renovations. And I concur with you re the refurb. Yet the scampi I had, under the new management, was the best I've ever had (to this day).

This Yank remains intrigued at the dearth of seafood cuisine and restaurants here, considering the wealth of what is caught no so far away. Your recommendations welcomed.

Timothy Belmont said...

Good to hear from you! Keep watching this space, as they say. I usually comment about meals we've had in restaurants, pubs etc.

Tim

Anonymous said...

The Lobster Pot was never the same since Walter Dabernig and those in previous tenure were in charge.
How sad to find out that a restaurant of such renown has closed.

Timothy Belmont said...

And it'll never be the same again since it has been gutted out, redecorated, interior walls removed in places and other irreversible alterations. I expect that's what is called progress.

Tim

Anonymous said...

I concur with comments made about Mr Dabbernig's tenure in Lobster Pot -fond memories of fantastic food ,crisp white tablecloths and napkins.Why have so many restaurants today dispelled of proper table settings?
Beatrice Kennedys ( South Belfast) has retained same -it is a pleasure to dine in.

Timothy Belmont said...

Would it be too much to expect that the new owner reverts back to the LP's theme of the 70s with traditional standards of service, linen napkins, silverware and decor?
If they contacted Messrs McMorrow or Dabernig they could perhaps replicate the original (and best) menu.

Elizabeth said...

Lord Belmont,
I was unaware that the Lobster Pot was open for business again-must try it. We are going to Beatrice Kennedys this evening.
Kind Regards,
Elizabeth

Timothy Belmont said...

Sorry! Misunderstanding: when I mentioned the new owner I was just assuming that there shall be a new owner eventually.
I have no idea what's happening at the LP. I'd be interested to learn of any developments, though.

Tim

Anonymous said...

The Lobster Pot has been open now for almost three months, and for the first two months there was no way of contact because there was not phone line.

Despite this, it has thrived during it's first quarter and trade is now steady.

The menu is comprised of 'Old Favourites' and Seafood dishes, and is suited both to light bites for lunch and evening meals.