A popular cafe, known for its Scottish take on tapas is closing due to “rising weekly costs”.
Owners of the Kirk View Cafe have announced they will be closing their doors for the last time this week.
The award-winning bistro has been a popular pre-theatre venue for the past seven years.
Owners took a “gamble” and moved from Union Terrace to a “much bigger” premises on Belmont Street just last February.
The family-owned business would get also involved in a number of city centre initiatives, including Aberdeen Restaurant Week.
However, in a statement posted on Facebook, the owners said they have decided to close because they “just can’t see the industry improving any time soon”.
The post read: “It’s goodbye from us. Thank you all so very much for the support over the years! It’s been an absolute pleasure. To all staff members, you have been amazing.
“We tried our best, however, the sales are just not what they used to be. The rising weekly costs have made things so difficult. As of this week, we decided to close the business down. Unfortunately, we just can’t see the industry improving any time soon. We can’t keep hoping for change.
“We have so many good memories over the last seven years. You guys really have shown us so much love.
“Keep supporting local. It’s so important, we don’t want a future of branded operations setting the standards.”
Aberdeen is a ‘lost cause’
Fans of the restaurant have been quick to share their dismay at the news, reminiscing about meals they have enjoyed in the past.
Wilma McRobb, 67, from Aberdeen, said: “Aw that’s a shame that. I’m very very disappointed.
“Councillors need to get a grip of Aberdeen, it’s a lost cause.”
Jackie Hepburn, 61, from Aberdeen, also shared her upset about the Kirk View closing as she said: “I find it’s a shame. It’s one thing after another in Aberdeen.”
Medical student Ribeya Mahmood, 36, in Aberdeen, feels that a lot of businesses have struggled to recover from Covid.
Miss Mahmood said: “I come from London, which is a lot busier, but, even though Aberdeen is a city, it doesn’t feel like one.
“Everything closing and not reopening since Covid-19 hasn’t helped. It is definitely getting better though, especially with the new Union Terrace Gardens which are good to attract people.”
‘Running out of independent places’
Lynne Scott and Norma Watson from Aberdeen are both “gutted” to hear about the closure of Kirk View.
They said: “The service is great and the staff are lovely.
“It’s such a shame, we’re quite gutted. We will run out of nice independent places to go.”
Aoife O’neill, 21, from Orkney, who studies in Aberdeen added: “It’s a real shame to hear that Kirk View is closing. I had a really positive experience with them.
“As a president of the society at Robert Gordon University, we considered hosting our event there but unfortunately due to capacity we couldn’t. I’m really sorry to hear that they are closing.”
‘A talented bunch’
Carol Bremner posted on Facebook: “Really sad to see such a lovely family business close down. Good luck in whatever you do next. You are a talented bunch.”
Courtney Johnston wrote: “We absolutely loved visiting you on Union Terrace – the chicken Balmoral was the best I’ve ever had. So sorry you are deciding to close.”
Shona Lamb posted: “So sorry to hear this. Had a wonderful pre-theatre dinner a couple of weeks ago and your staff were absolutely fantastic. Wish you well for whatever the future brings.”
Julie Murray wrote: “So sorry to hear this. Have been in a few times recently and always fab food including lovely tapas just last week.”
Gail Sangster posted: “You have put your heart and soul into making this work. The industry are getting hammered at every angle.
“I’m so sad to see you closing, I always enjoyed my visits.”
