Black Lab Will Shutter
Mainstay British pub and jazz cafe will shutter after 33 years in Montrose
UPDATE: This article has been updated below with a statement from the University of St. Thomas, which owns the building at 4100 Montrose.
A Montrose institution will shutter next month. The Black Labrador Pub will close December 15, the restaurant announced.
For 33 years, the Black Lab has served an appealing mix of classic British pub fare with a full range of English beers. The closing will leave Houstonians with one fewer option for dishes like fish and chips, bubble and squeak, and steak and kidney pie.
In a statement, the restaurant thanks its employees, customers, and veteran general manager, Armando Vazquez, "for his dedication and service." Customers who purchased monogrammed mugs from the pub are encouraged to make one last visit for a free pint of their favorite brew.
The announcement doesn't reference the status of Cezanne, the jazz bar that operates upstairs from The Black Labrador, but the restaurant's representative confirms that it will also close.
While the pub's closing will certainly leave a hole in the market, fans of English food will find solid versions at places like the Red Lion Pub and the Richmond Arms. Jazz plays on at Cafe 4212 in the Third Ward.
Expect more changes to the space at 4100 Montrose. The Montrose branch of the Houston Public Library that's currently at the property could move to the new Montrose Collective mixed-use development that's slated for 888 Westheimer.
In response to CultureMap's request about the building's future, Jeff Olsen, the University of St. Thomas vice president of marketing, communications, and university relations, provided the following statement: “This a time of great growth and change at University of St. Thomas. Although the Black Lab will be missed, the vacancy presents us with an opportunity to engage with our students and the community in new and exciting ways. As we develop plans, those factors will play an important role.”
