Popular Covent Garden drinking den shuts it doors blaming changing 'trading environment'

"A popular wine bar in central London that has served customers for over four decades has closed its doors for the final time. Situated in prime position in the centre of Covent Garden's market hall, if you haven't dined at Crusting Pipe you've probably walked past it. The indoor terrace restaurant and wine bar, run by wine merchant chain Davy's, has been a key feature of the busy area for the past 40 years."

"It was one of the first tenants in the building after a major redevelopment of the market in the 1980s, which saw the area convert from a fruit and veg market to a shopping and street entertainment hub. As well as serving an array of wines, The Crusting Pipe dished out breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day to hungry shoppers in its covered courtyard."

"But on Sunday, December 21, it poured its last glass of sauvignon blanc; its owners blamed changing customer habits for the closure. A statement on Davy's website said: As trading environments and customer habits have evolved, this chapter has now come to a close. We remain grateful to the many team members and customers who contributed to the character and success of The Crusting Pipe over the years."

The Crusting Pipe, an indoor terrace restaurant and wine bar in the centre of Covent Garden's market hall, has closed after serving customers for over four decades. The venue was run by wine merchant chain Davy's and was one of the first tenants following a major 1980s redevelopment that transformed the market from fruit and vegetable stalls into a shopping and entertainment hub. The Crusting Pipe offered a wide selection of wines and served breakfast, lunch and dinner in its covered courtyard. The last service was on Sunday, December 21, with owners citing evolving trading environments and customer habits. Davy's expressed gratitude to team members and customers. Other recent London restaurant closures include Silo in Hackney, Saltine in Highbury, and Le Colombier in South Kensington.

Read at www.standard.co.uk