Indeed, for several days, the “Tortuga Bar” has no longer served glasses of rum, beers and other cocktails to passing “buccaneers” since it was forced to close its doors due to two successive orders from the Municipality: an order prohibiting access to the public, followed by a demolition order.
Durbuy mayor Philippe Bontemps explains the reasons for these orders: “After sending several letters, I took responsibility. The building was becoming too dilapidated. Stones fell and a gable was unstable. The mayor is responsible for security, including in this type of establishment. Recent events intervened this winter in Switzerland reminded us of this I therefore issued an order prohibiting public access and then a demolition order.
On social networks, customers and other tourists who have visited the place already regret this decision. Many have kept good memories of it as shown by all the testimonies received in the aftermath. “ It obviously warms the heart,” testifies the current owner Nicolas Drecogna who, a year ago took over the helm of the Durbuy ship, taking over from Éric Thibaut, alias Jack Tibow, who created this incomparable lair more than twenty years ago.
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Nicola Drecogna can only show her disappointment: “The Tortuga was not just a simple bar. It was a refuge, a den, a place of meetings, laughter, music, raised glasses and shared stories. It was a human adventure. Today, this adventure is forced to stop. A decision has been made, brutal, incomprehensible in many ways… indicates Nicola Drecogna on the establishment’s Facebook page. Thank you to each of you for bringing this place to life. Thanks to Captain Jack Tibow, for raising the black flag at Durbuy, for leaving me at the helm. It’s the end of a chapter. And perhaps, one day, the start of a new adventure”.
The end of a great adventure, the beginning of a new one…
Nicola Drecogna continues: “I was a tenant of this building. I obviously hope to be able to continue this adventure in Durbuy where the brand was well established and there were numerous tourists. It’s not an easy situation to accept for a young independent who took over the helm a year ago.”.
The owner of the building Fabienne Petry took note of this demolition order. “ The work will soon be undertaken. It is true that the building was becoming dilapidated. We hope to rebuild immediately with shops and catering on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors. And why not with the Tortuga Bar… But these procedures and the reconstruction will take time time…recognizes the owner.
