Fourteen Drops to close original bar on Yarm High Street

Fourteen Drops, which has been based in the town since 2017, announced the shock closure of its small venue at 77a High Street on Monday (April 27). 

The venue said “Government changes” had made it “impossible” to continue – but that it will continue operating from its larger second venue above Strickland and Holt. 

The Fourteen Drops Market Hall, which opened in December 2024 in the former Joe Rigatoni’s, will still provide the shop’s wine and beer alongside snacks, gifts, books, and hampers.

The final day of trading for the High Street fronting shop will be May 3, with customers invited to try “everything you’ve come to know and love” at the Market Hall. 

Fourteen Drops in Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The venue said on Facebook: “So we have some news, it’s time to close our chapter at our original Fourteen Drops, but this is very much not an end, it’s an evolution.

“While the intention was always to keep both sites after opening Fourteen Drops Market Hall, sadly the changes the government have made means it’s just impossible. 

“So we’re focusing all our passion and energy into the larger space, where we’ll continue to evolve whilst embracing the intimate, cosy feel of little Fourteen Drops.

“We know this is going to be very sad for many of our wonderful customers who have a real connection to our original shop, but we hope to see you all over at Fourteen Drops Markethall, where we will still be offering everything you’ve come to know and love.

“Our final trading day will be Sunday (May 3) so not long to go at all, and we would of course love to see you before the doors close.

“And then we’ll see you over the road, where we now have the fully open terrace, and lift access for those who need it and some projects in the pipeline to really get the most out of this special venue.

“We’ll be open our usual hours this week before we close the late Sunday evening.

“Anyone who has table bookings upcoming after 3rd, they will automatically be moved to Fourteen Drops Market Hall, and for any private/larger events that are booked; one of the team will be in touch in the next few days to discuss.

“Gift vouchers remain valid for use in Fourteen Drops Market Hall. If you have any concerns by all means pop us a DM.”

Fourteen Drops first opened in Yarm as a ‘try, buy, enjoy’ concept where customers could try carefully-chosen wines, buy them off the shelf and then drink them in the bar. 

It’s proven incredibly popular since, with a 4.4 star rating on Google and customers praising it as an “excellent place for relaxed dining and quality wines”.