Bar’s offer to ex-Thomas Cook employees

Paul Eden, owner of Maggie Mae’s on Preston Street, made the gesture to those who were made redundant after the travel agency went into liquidation on Sunday (22 September).

Eden said: “It’s just going to be one of those weeks for them into no man’s land, not sure when the next pay cheque is going to come in – it’s horrible.”

Close connections 

Eden made close connections with Thomas Cook employees during the 18 years he spent going back and forth from his Maggie Mae’s bar in Greece – where his bar was originally set up.

He added: “I was heavily involved in the industry for a long time so I felt like I should do something.

“As far as the tourists are concerned, they put their money into Thomas Cook and they know they'll get their money back, but I think for the staff it's even more horrible.

“I think everyone just thought it would all be sorted.”

Eden’s bar in Greece is now apartments but he remained close with Thomas Cook employees based in the agencies in Hove, East Sussex.

Eden said that the employees always worked hard because they felt it was a job forever.

“They always said working with Thomas Cook is not about the money, it’s about the family.”

Gesture of goodwill

He has offered the employees free entry to the night and a drink to help them take their mind off it for a few hours.

The Maggie Mae’s event will take place on Friday 27 September, at 8.30pm.

There will be a will be a ’90s singer, as well music ranging from dance to rock, and there will also be a DJ.

Pryzm nightclub in Nottingham is also making the same gesture.