Wellington’s Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe will close its doors at the end of the month after 25 years in business. Long-time publican and owner Russel Scott posted on Facebook: “It’s with heavy hearts that we share some sad news – Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe will be closing. “We are so grateful for the support, memories and community over the years.” Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe, which opened in June 2000, will close on January 28. For Scott, it’s the closure of yet another of his hospitality businesses following difficult trading conditions in the capital since Covid hit in 2020. Scott closed the doors to Avida Bar in May last year, citing the worst conditions he’d seen in hospitality in Wellington since becoming involved in the area in 1987. In January 2024, Scott closed brewery, restaurant and pub Whistling Sisters, which was opened in 2018 in memory of his daughter Karen, who died from breast cancer in 2015. The Herald has contacted Scott for comment. Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips told the Herald it has been a challenging couple of years for Wellington’s hospitality sector. “[This is] due to a number of factors including, reduced discretionary spend; the shift to remote work resulting in reduced CBD foot traffic; ongoing roadworks; rising operational costs …” she said. But Phillips said while trading conditions remain tough for hospitality businesses, the economic outlook is one of cautious optimism. “Despite some hospitality businesses closing, new ones continue to open and others look to rebrand or reinvent themselves to fit with changing trends and consumer preferences,” she said. “The number of accommodation and food service businesses in Wellington has increased by 14% since pre-Covid times.” Phillips said there is a sign of confidence in the capital’s hospitality sector and wider economic conditions will continue to improve throughout the year. “Anecdotal commentary from our members is that the summer trade so far has been really positive and there is clear evidence of vibrancy in [Wellington].” Last year, popular Wellington pub Fortune Favours closed its brew bar after nearly a decade. Owners Shannon Thorpe and Dale Cooper said the business was no longer financially sustainable. “Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis has proven too difficult for us to navigate. We’re down 20% on last year, which was already 25% down on the year before,” a post on the company’s social media read. The economic crunch also claimed other Wellington establishments including wine bar Plonk and games store and cafe Caffeinated Dragon Games.