Tributes to the much-loved owners of a popular venue in Bedford have been pouring in after they announced they were selling the business.
Nine years Luca Magliaro opened up the Flute Wine Bar and Lounge with what he says was “a vision to turn a little run down building down “piss alley” into a bar that people could come to have fun.”
Reading the tributes left on their Facebook page today, after it was announced he and Lui Magliaro have decided to sell the business, it appears he and his team have done just that.
Matt Wolton, the owner of a nearby burger bar Herd, led the comments by saying: “All the best for the future guys, it will never be the same without you.”
Speaking further about his vision back in 2013, Luca added, “I am so proud to have been able to achieve this… despite not always being an easy ride, particularly in recent years.
“But, we overcame these obstacles, continually evolved and consistently strived to keep our doors open for our customers.”
Celebrated local cocktail mixologist, Tom Faden, also paid tribute, “all the best for you guys, was a pleasure to work in the town alongside you.”
Lui says the reasons for the closure are so he can concentrate on his property maintenance business which he says “continues to grow and go from strength to strength”.
Customers also added their well-wishes and expressed sadness at the news.
“Aww this is sad news guys! We have had the best times there. Well done for smashing it for so long! I will definitely miss you all there xx”, said one.
“Sad to be reading this. But to go out on a high is always commendable,” said another.
Another simply called it the “end of an era”.
Luca, however, also had some tributes to pay himself.
“None of this would have been possible without our loyal customers, our amazing staff, great dj’s, live singers and everyone that has supported us over the years,” added Luca.
“For that we thank each and every one of you. The bar wouldn’t have been what it is without you.
“We have so many great memories to look back on from street parties, Halloween parties, New Year’s Eve, Salsa dancing, bottomless brunches and so so much more.”
Lui and his team are hosting a weekend-long leaving party with a DJ night on 28 October (Friday) and then “the party of all parties” the following evening (29 October) with more DJs.
“We have a bar to drink dry,” said Luca.
