Pania, based in Merchant City, opened in January 2024 and has been described as a day-to-night venue inspired by cafes in Europe served everything from late breakfast and lunch to dinner and drinks.
(Image: Images by Newsquest) The restaurant marked a return to hospitality for Neil Connolly, the industry veteran known for opening Moskito on Bath Street in 2000 and running it (among other places and events) for 18 years.
Pania announced the news today via Instragram.
Taking to the social media platform, the cafe and bar wrote: “I’m sure this will come as a surprise to some, but we have taken the sad and difficult decision to close Pania.
“Unfortunately, like many other small, independent businesses, we have been fighting against rising costs and difficult trading conditions.
“The numbers just simply don’t add up and with restrictive family commitments, it has become impossible to carry on.
“I would like to thank all our lovely customers for the support and positive feedback over the last year.
“A special heartfelt thank you to my wonderful team for all their hard work and loyalty, you made it even more special.”
(Image: Neil Connolly (Image: Gordon Terris)) Fans of the spot flocked to the post to share their heartbreak over the news.
One person said: “Pania is an amazing concept and I am confident it will rise again in the future, a loss to merchant city which seems to be changing for the worse.”
Another said: “This is such sad news. Pania has such a great vibe and unique staff who were the best at hospitality. Best wishes to everyone.”
A third added: “This is so heartbreaking, really loved you guys.”
