Bad news came through the grapevine this evening:  LeNell's is officially closed.  After endless struggles with her difficult Red Hook landlord, LeNell Smothers decided to shutter the only destination spot for liquor in NYC.

Rumor has it, LeNell had enough of this god-forsaken city and will move to a more civilized land where she'll tend bar and leave behind the woes of New York real estate. We hear she's chosen London, but it's hard to keep a Southern redhead away from her Rye.

Lush Life will miss you immensely, LeNell, and not just for your stellar selection and sage advice.