Some of the Capital’s restaurant and pub owners have closed permanently due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
As restrictions ease across the country, several business owners in the hospitality sector have made the difficult decision not to reopen as the country faces financial hardship after months in lockdown.
Here are some pubs and restaurants that have announced their closure after years of serving people in Edinburgh.
1. The Tower Restaurant
Twenty two years after first opening, the Tower Restaurant, located above the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street, is one of many businesses in Edinburgh that will no longer be running post-lockdown. Once called ‘the hottest table in the city’ by food critic AA Gill, proprietor James Thomson said Covid-19 presented the business with "insurmountable difficulties" and has chosen not to reopen. Photo: JPI Media
2. Hendersons
The UK's longest-running veggie restaurant, Hendersons, in Hanover Street, is closing its doors after nearly six decades. The award-winning restaurant opened its doors in April 1962 after founder Janet Henderson, having travelled in Europe in the 1930s, was inspired by the trends and health benefits in organic and vegetarian food emerging at that time. Photo: JPI Media
3. Stewart's Dockside Tap
Stewart Brewing, who ran the Dockside Tap in Leith said after a difficult decision, it was decided the company would not run the pub due to the impact of Covid-19. In a statement the company said: “It is with great sadness that Stewart Brewing has taken the decision to withdraw from the Dockside Tap. Over the last three and a half years, the team at the Dockside Tap have put in a lot of hard work and effort to make this venture a success and at its heart, it is a fantastic little operation but it is simply not prudent for us to keep a loss-making operation part of the business." Photo: JPI Media
4. Castle Terrace restaurant
In an announcement made on June 30, chef Tom Kitchin said: “It’s with great sadness that Castle Terrace will forever close its doors after 10 years. Such a sad day. Castle Terrace will be missed for its incredible gastronomy and hospitality from chef patron Dominic Jack and the team. Thank you to all the amazing team and our guests, this is very upsetting.” Photo: JPI Media