Uncertainty remains over what will happen at a prime town centre bar after its closure this summer.

Barrio in The Parade shut in June, but the following month its owner Nightcap left the door open to a potential future at the site. 

At the time, a spokesperson said: “Watford Barrio is currently closed for the summer.

"In the past nine months we have gained a greater understanding of the vibe of the town and are now taking some time to evolve our offer to serve the needs of local customers.

“We look forward to updating everyone on what's next for the location."

However, when asked for an update now summer has finished, Nightcap has not responded.

Watford Observer: Barrio in Watford Barrio in Watford (Image: Stephen Danzig)

Despite the fanfare that went with the bar’s opening, which included a visit Watford's deputy mayor, it seemed what was on offer did not resonate with the majority of residents.

Bethany Moxon, 39, who lives in Abbots Langley, told the Watford Observer she only went to Barrio once and it was “rather quiet in there”.

Watford Observer: Bethany MoxonBethany Moxon (Image: Kimberley Hackett)She added: “With the pandemic and the ownership changes it lost its unique selling point.

“As I remember, the previous bar was known for cheap drinks with good music.”

Watford Observer: The bar opened with a big party.The bar opened with a big party. (Image: Pearce Bates)Bethany was not the only one who said that the previous bar’s prices were better.

When it was announced that Barrio had closed, many people took to social media sharing their views on the news.

One wrote: “Their prices on their drinks and menu were too high. It was doomed to failure from the start.”

Others described the bar as “too poncey", "expensive", "overpriced" and "overrated”.

Watford Observer: Deputy mayor Aga Dychton cut the ribbon when the bar opened on October 27, 2022.Deputy mayor Aga Dychton cut the ribbon when the bar opened on October 27, 2022. (Image: Pearce Bates)Watford Borough Council and Watford Town Centre BID, the organisation that works with businesses in the town centre, were asked what they made of the unit being closed for so long.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said the loss of Barrio is “unfortunate”.

He added: “We have low vacancy rates, footfall remains high, and we have Purple Flag accreditation.

“I am hopeful that this prime site, at the heart of our town centre, will soon become a new venue.”

Watford BID’s spokesperson cited other places opening such as Ready Burger in the former Bill’s Unit and Café De Lisboa in the former Piranha Comics unit.

“Whilst new openings can take some time, we remain confident we’ll be welcoming more new businesses to the high street,” they said.