Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson

Celebrity News

Patrons upset NYAC Lobby Lounge bar is closing

Some of the thirstier members of the New York Athletic Club are upset the Lobby Lounge bar is being closed down for renovations this summer.

Although the club claims the closure is temporary, conspiracy theorists fear it is permanent.

“The club has spent an estimated $2.4 million renovating its ninth floor dining room and bar, and wants to encourage patrons to go upstairs,” one source told me. “Management hopes they can recoup the cash spent on the renovations by getting people to order food.”

Bar regulars are not happy about the move, and management has received letters of complaint from some 40 members, including Gov. George Pataki, Gen. Wesley Clark, former NFL football star Lynn Swann, Liam Neeson, boxer Jake LaMotta and Jimmy Fallon.

One member who did not want to be named said the Lobby Lounge was cozy and dark — perfect for private conversation. “The new bar is too modern, too open. You can’t have an intimate chat there.”