A host of favourite shops, restaurants, cafes and takeaways in the centre of Edinburgh and other parts of the city have reluctantly taken the decision to shut.
Many blame the cost of living crisis, the changes in the pattern of living after Covid or a combination of economic factors. But there are also other reasons – retirement, ill health or the end of a lease – behind some of the closures.
Changes are inevitable on the business scene, but it is always sad to see favourite places close their doors for the last time. Here are some of the shops and eateries which have shut in Edinburgh so far this year.
. Superico restaurant, Hanover Street
Superico restaurant, at 83 Hanover Street, announced in January that, due to rising costs, it would no longer be able to stay open. A statement on social media said: “This is not something that we ever wished to post, but unfortunately our Superico restaurant doors will not be re-opening for 2023. Coming out of Covid with the ability to welcome everyone back to the restaurant has been truly wonderful, however times are just a little too tough now with costs rising." Photo: Superico
. Paperchase, George Street
Paperchase in George Street launched a massive closing down sale in February after the stationery chain fell into administration. More than 100 Paperchase stores across the UK closed while Tesco bought the Paperchase brand but not its high street shops. Photo: Submitted
. Elephants & Bagels, Nicolson Square
Elephants & Bagels announced in February it was closing after around 25 years in the Capital. The cafe, at the corner of Nicolson Square, was a huge favourite with students at nearby Edinburgh University as well as Fringe-goers. The owners gave no reason for the closure, but thanked people for their custom over the years. Photo: Unknown
. Printing Press Bar, George Street
The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, which was part of The George InterContinental hotel in George Street, closed its doors for good in March, with the hotel saying it was in talks about a new project at the venue. Photo: Google
9. Narcissus Flowers, Broughton Street
Narcissus Flowers in Broughton Street closed suddenly at the end of March and staff were made redundant. A social media post, signed off by "The Narcissus Team", said: “We are very sad and sorry to inform you that, as of close of business on Thursday, March 30, Narcissus Flowers Limited ceased trading. The news came to us, the employees, completely out of the blue.” Photo: Google
10. Good Brothers Wine Bar, Stockbridge
Good Brothers Wine Bar in Dean Street, Stockbridge, was a family-run business serving natural wines and bar bites, but it has now closed. First opened in 2016 by brothers Graeme and Rory Sutherland, the wine bar shut its doors on May 13. They said after seven "wonderful" years they had taken "the very hard decision not to renew our lease with our landlords". But they added: “We’re currently searching for the right site to relocate to and have a few irons in the fire." Photo: Good Brothers
11. Rae Macintosh Musicroom, Shandwick Place
Rae Macintosh Musicroom first opened in Edinburgh's George Street in the 1850s, but it ceased trading at the end of March due to "market conditions". The shop, which was originally set up by Mr Rae and Mr Macintosh, sold music books, musical instruments, accessories and gifts. It moved to Shandwick Place in 2013. A social media post said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued custom and loyalty to Rae Mac’s despite the exceptional challenges of past three years.” But due to what it called “the exceptional challenges of past three years”, the store will cease trading at the end of March 2023. Photo: Unknown
12. Marks & Spencer, Meadowbank
Marks and Spencer closed its store at Meadowbank retail park in April after failing to reach agreement on renewing its lease. The closure of the M&S Outlet store came as the retail giant was shutting several of its stores across the UK due to changing trends in how people shop. TK Maxx also failed to reach agreement on a new lease for its store at the retail park. It closed in February and was replaced by a new Lidl supermarket. Photo: Unknown