A popular Aberdeen city centre restaurant and art gallery has closed its doors for good.
Musa on the city’s Exchange Street has a fascinating history, once serving as a Roman Catholic church and latterly as a banana warehouse.
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But yesterday was the last day of operating for the Merchant Quarter mainstay, which as well as serving food sold art and hosted live music.
Craft beer giant Brewdog took over the venue in January and yesterday promised that it would rise again from the ashes as an “exciting new concept”.
It is rumoured to be a Mexican-style restaurant.
Several resturants have shut in the city centre in recent years including Jamie’s Italian, the Merchant Bistro, the Adelphi Kitchen and Cue.
However, a number of popular new establishments have also sprung up.
Adrian Watson of city centre business body Aberdeen Inspired said that firms were beginning to feel a “stabilisation” in the local economy but warned there was still a way to go.
In a statement online Musa wrote: “Musa in it’s current form will close its doors today. Thanks to everyone for your support over the years, it’s been a blast and we have loved every minute.
“Keep your eyes peeled for exciting news to come about the future of the site coming soon.”
Manager Alex Alexi said that Musa employed about 10 staff who would be offered new roles elsewhere in Brewdog.
She said: “Brewdog took us over in January and they want to open something totally different to Musa.
“It has come upon us all of a sudden really.
“We are sad that this is the end but trying to stay positive and look for new opportunities.”
A Brewdog spokeswoman said: “Musa in its current form has closed but will open as an exciting new concept soon.”