St. Pete British Pub Closing Its Doors Soon Gears Up For Final Days In Business

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A beloved Grand Central District British pub that’s closing its doors soon is gearing up for its final days in business.

The Studio Public House at 2950 Central Ave. officially closes Thursday, but will remain open over the weekend for staff appreciation days and other special events, Mike Crippin, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Ali, told Patch.

The couple announced the restaurant’s closure last month after their landlord decided to sell the building for development rather than renew their lease for the second five years on their 10-year-agreement on the space.

“It’s devastating to hear that we’re shutting down the Studio,” Meg Hollingsworth, who has worked at the restaurant for five years, told Patch. “Mike and Ali have made this place so special over the last five years, from the early morning soccer games to the local arts scene. We’re really gonna miss this place.”

Artist James Hartzell, who has hosted trivia nights at the restaurant for about three years and regularly participates in art events there, is also sad to see the business close its doors.

“It’s been my go-to spot for watching soccer and the owners have become like family. They even purchased one of my soccer themed skateboard paintings,” he told Patch. “Will be hard to say goodbye. I’ll likely cry at some point, but hopefully we can frame up all the good memories, and folks come out to support the staff (and) pub owners during these send off events.”

The restaurant will host a customer appreciation event on Wednesday night with free Guinness samples, giveaways from 3 Daughters Brewing and music by DJ Hicksey.

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During staff appreciation weekend from Friday through Sunday, the Crippins will donate all profits to its staff appreciation fund. They also encourage people to stop by and tip their favorite Studio staff members.

The Sunday Jazz Project will also perform one last time on Sunday from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Prior to the Studio Public House, Mike was the executive chef for another local favorite, Moon Under Water that was previously on Beach Drive. Ceviche eventually took over that space.

In March, it was announced that the Crippins are partnering with Kevin and Jeanne Milkey, owners of Grand Central Brewhouse, to revive Moon Under Water in a new location.

Mike told Patch that while they can’t disclose the exact location yet, it will be about 5,000 square feet and twice the size of the original Moon Under Water.

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