'Best Club In Annapolis' Closes Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Annapolis staple had it's last hoorah Monday night. A surprise Facebook post announced the closure of Union Jack's British Pub, hours before it locked its doors for good.
The mega-pub and music venue's closing comes as Anne Arundel County bars and restaurants battle ongoing coronavirus regulations. Though Union Jack's did not say whether these restrictions led to its closure, Anne Arundel has reopened businesses more cautiously than most of the state.
"We want to thank all our patrons over the last several years for your support," Union Jack's said in a Monday evening Facebook post. "We close the doors with a very heavy heart!"
The 10,000-square foot bar was open for eight years. Its live music and DJs packed the dance floor every Thursday through Saturday.
Local, regional and national acts graced the Union Jack's stage. Artists like Uncle Kracker and Kix are some of the most notable to perform at the venue.
"Forever one of my favorite stages and venues to play," Maryland country artist Phillip Michael Parsons commented on the closure announcement. "Thank you for the memories!"
One repeat customer, Lynn Kramer, called Union Jack's the "Best club in Annapolis." Many patrons cheered the venue's performances and applauded the bar's staff.
Another visitor, Monica Cotillo, said the restaurant brings back memories of her wedding. Cotillo celebrated at Union Jack's on the eve of her matrimony, threw an after-party at the establishment on her special night and dined at the eatery the next morning.
"We basically lived there the weekend of our wedding," Cotillo replied. "We will miss everything about it."
Union Jack's thanked its customers, workers and performers for their constant support. The venue's goodbye post has more than 1,800 shares, 1,100 reactions and 600 comments.
"It has been amazing to have operated in Annapolis," the business posted. "We say goodbye and thank you for all the memories!! Cheers!"
The pub was located at 2072 Somerville Road Annapolis, MD 21401. Union Jack's used to have four bars. Now, its Columbia eatery is the only one left.
The small chain previously had restaurants in Bethesda and Gaithersburg. The Gaithersburg location closed in May, and the Bethesda site shut its doors in February of 2016.
Gov. Larry Hogan recently gave jurisdictions permission to increase their restaurant capacities to 75 percent, if they so choose. Anne Arundel County declined the offer, sticking with its half capacity cap for eateries. The county also requires establishments that serve alcohol to shut down indoor service by 10 p.m.
Patch's latest explanation of how Anne Arundel County is balancing coronavirus safety and economics is available here.
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This article originally appeared on the Annapolis Patch
