LAST orders have been called at a popular Gourock bar — but the pub’s future might not in the last chance saloon just yet.

One of the town’s oldest bars, the Albert Hotel, suddenly closed last Tuesday.

For the last 19 years it has been run by Paul Kennedy and mum Patricia, who told the Tele they are ‘devastated’ after making the difficult decision to call time.

They said they were forced to shut due to ‘financial constraints’.

Paul told the Tele: “If it opens again, it will be under new management.

“My mother and I are stepping away from the business because of financial constraints.

“I had worked in the premises since I was 19 and I will be 49 next week. I was the chef.

“It was emotional, especially the last couple of weeks, but it’s getting better now.

“We closed last Tuesday. It was just not feasible for us to operate the Albert any more.”

Former landlord Paul said there has already been notes of interest in the premises and says he hopes the bar will reopen in the near future.

He said: “There’s been a couple of people interested in it that I know of personally, so I don’t think it will be shut for too long, especially with the Morton supporters running a bus from there.

“Two people have phoned me personally, so hopefully something will be worked out.”

The Albert, located just off Shore Street, was especially popular with football fans.

A Morton bus left for away matches from the premises and coaches also departed there to take Scotland supporters to matches at home and abroad.

Just last year a room was transformed into a dedicated football area with lots of Ton and national team memorabilia adorning the walls.

Paul said: “We would like to say thanks to all the customers for their support over the years and for all the kind words we have received from people over the last couple of weeks.”