Burnley's Ships and Giggles bar closed and on the market

Ships and Giggles, in Hammerton Street, has closed its doors for good and the business has been put on the market.

Owner Andy MacDonald said he “lost love for the business” after a tough few years.

In 2019 the venue,  known as MAC’s nightclub at the time, was torched by Jordan Schofield.

Ships and Giggles, on Hammerton Street, is closed (Image: NQ)

Burnley Crown Court heard how he had been hired by the owners of Mode nightclub, also situated in Hammerton Street in the town, before he became aware of the fact there was ‘bad blood’ between the two venues.

Despite this unfortunate incident, Andy renovated the building and reopened it as Ships and Giggles, a pirate-themed bar, in May 2021.

As a result of the arson,  Andy’s insurance bills soared to around £30,000 a year.

Andy said: “The arson attack was really annoying because my building insurance jumped to around £30,000 a year.

“As it was still a good business in a central location I thought I would take the financial hit.

“When Covid hit we had a big refurbishment and later opened as Ships and Giggles. I really enjoyed it.”

In 2022 tragedy struck after his partner Sarah Read, died after suffering a stroke and seizures. She was pregnant at time.

After this Andy said he sold his house and moved to Scotland, where he remains.

He said the thought of Burnley makes him “feel sick” as it was where he met Sarah.

He said: “I was expecting a baby with my partner Sarah, who died. After that things didn’t matter to me anymore.

“I wasn’t concentrating on my business when I was looking after her when she was sick. When she died I never went back.

“I met her in Burnley as she was from there. I got rid of my house, bought a motorhome and disappeared to Scotland where I have settled.

“I have never looked back at Burnley. Just the thought of the town makes me feel sad and sick.”

Andy MacDonald (Image: Andy MacDonald)

Ships and Giggles was kept open but Andy said he had nothing to do with it after moving away.

He said: “Whenever management called me with any issues I was unavailable and didn’t care.

“I had no time or love to give to the place.

“I spoke to my team down there and told them to just close the doors and give the business to someone else.

“It’s time for someone else to take it and give the business some love.”

Andy said he had some great memories at the venue, including the introduction of 1p meals which he said helped his business to survive lockdown.

He said: “I am so honoured and privileged to have had it, I just lost love for it.

"Letting go was easier than I thought as I had already distanced myself from the venue for a long time.

“It has taken a weight off my shoulders. I am saying goodbye to my past.

“We advised staff a long time ago to start looking for jobs at other places. It was no surprise to staff."

Andy now runs festivals and live music events, and also own a hotel, in Scotland.

He said: “I’ve got it all going on up here and when I think of business up here I get excited, but when I think of Burnley I just get sad.”

Andy is now urging business owners to consider taking the bar over.

It is listed for £2,917 a week on the Rightmove website.

Andy said: “I’ve spent around £250,000 on it. We are looking for someone who wants it, it is pretty much ready to open.

“I’ve left everything and it could even be back open tomorrow if wanted.

“Both floors have a good sound system there is DJ equipment and all fixtures and fittings are there.”