Photo by billadler.Cleveland Park residents — and most everyone else who had ever patronized the place — were deeply disappointed to learn over the weekend that Ireland’s Four Fields will be closing its doors on November 5.
The bar and restaurant — formerly known as the 4Ps — had been in its location at 3412 Connecticut Avenue NW since 1976. But owner Frank Hughes explained in an email to patrons that a “requested increase in monthly demands will not make it economically feasible to remain at this location.” Hughes did note that he plans to relocate the restaurant somewhere else — any neighborhoods out there looking for a reliable Irish pub? — and said that the location would likely be taken over by “a chain restaurant.” (The locals appear to believe that something akin to McFadden’s will be coming in, though nothing’s concrete at this point.)
It’s kind of a drag to see an longtime institution being pushed out in favor of a chain, but that appears to be the way Cleveland Park is heading these days. Hughes’ letter to his customers is below:
Friends,
Sadly the rumors are true. It is with heavy heart and with much regret for me to inform you that Ireland’s Four Fields will close on November 5, 2011. Unfortunately, the requested increase in monthly demands will not make it economically feasible to remain at this location. It is my understanding that the building will be leased to a chain restaurant.
Ireland’s Four Fields (the old 4P’s) has been a member and a proud contributor to the DC community and especially to Cleveland Park for over 35 years. We are a neighborhood and a DC icon. We have been host for numerous events: fundraisers, reunions, receptions and wakes, among other things. Many, many wonderful memories were made here. I discovered many years ago that no matter how far I traveled, I would always run into someone that had either been here or had heard of us.
As for me, I have come full circle. I opened the doors to the 4P’s in 1976 as manager, one of the few Irish restaurants at that time, and I will now be here the day the doors close.
My intentions are to reopen at a different location and I have several options which I am currently exploring. I will be sure to keep everyone updated.
I would like especially to thank all of you for your continued patronage and friendship over the years. I have enjoyed meeting all of you. I hope to see all of you before we close.
Slainte,
Frank
