SHOCKED staff at a popular Redditch nightspot turned up for work on Tuesday (January 19) only to be told that the venue was closing down.

The team at Chicago Rock Cafe on Unicorn Hill had thought it was business as usual at the bar despite learning it was in the process of being bought by JD Wetherspoon PLC the day before.

However, when they arrived on Tuesday they were told by previous owners 3D Entertainment Group not to open and that Chicago Rock would be closing down.

It is believed the bar will be turned into a Lloyds No1 Bar and staff will be offered positions at Wetherspoon venues, either in Redditch or nearby towns.

One staff member, who asked not to be named, said: "We were all just really shocked - it has been very stressful.

"We've been told it could take up to three months to reopen but there is no guarantee we will be able to return to the bar.

"During the meeting with area managers from Wetherspoons, they said we would be offered work at a Wetherspoons pubs but not necessarily the Redditch one which will be difficult for some people."

The Redditch bar is thought to be one of four which have been sold off by 3D Entertainment this week.

A message on the Chicago Rock Redditch website reads: "This venue is now closed.
"Thank you for all your custom at Chicago's."

About 22 staff worked at the bar in total and the majority of those had been there for over two years.

He added: "We all enjoyed working there, it was a brilliant place to work.
"The group of staff are like a family and it is just a great atmosphere in there."

The locks were being changed at Chicago Rock on Wednesday and none of the staff were able to access the building.

JD Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon confirmed the property had been exchanged, but added the sale had not been completed.

"We are likely to complete in the next week or so and then we will either open up as a Wetherspoons straighaway then close for a few weeks for renovations or renovate and then open.
"Anyone working for Chicago Rock will be offered a job there or at another Wetherspoons pub elsewhere."

The Standard approached 3D Entertainment Group for a comment but a spokeswoman said they were unable to comment before our deadline.

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