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Break out the bubbly! Duncano’s decking plans approved after community shows support for Westhill bistro

There will soon be new decking installed outside Duncano's.
There will soon be new decking installed outside Duncano's. Picture by Scott Baxter

Duncano’s has thanked fans for their “incredible support” after securing planning permission for decking outside the restaurant.

The plush bar and bistro has proved popular since opening last year, bringing a touch of elegance to Westhill Shopping Centre.

In May, owner Lynne Duncan lodged plans to expand with an al fresco area offering an extra six tables-for-two and eight four-seaters.

But the application quickly attracted an objection, with one resident asking Aberdeenshire Council to reject it.

Duncano's has developed quite a following already.
Duncano’s has developed quite a following already.

Eileen Smith raised concerns about visitors to nearby shops, like the Marks and Spencer, “having to walk through the seating area of a cafe”.

She suggested this would “either disturb customers, cause collisions with waiting staff or make any pedestrian feel like they should not be there”.

One fan can’t wait to bring her dog

The prospect of the scheme being refused energised fans of Duncano’s – which has proven a real hit with ladies who lunch.

Regular customer Amy Thomson contacted the local authority to say the decking would be a “fantastic addition”.

She added: “I think it will bring more customers to the area as there are limited outdoor options in Westhill.

“I also have a dog which I am really looking forward to taking with me, as they are not allowed in the restaurant at the moment.

“I hope Westhill gets behind Duncano’s.”

Duncano’s decking APPROVED: This design image shows how the extra tables and chairs will be laid out.

‘Summers are about socialising outside’

Gillian Whyte said: “Duncano’s has injected a breath of fresh air to Westhill Shopping Centre.”

Katie Duff said: “Summers are all about socialising outside with friends and an
open space is just what Westhill needs.

“We’ve visited the bistro a few times now from Inverurie and it makes for a nice day out, while we visit some local shops at the same time.”

Diners will now be able to choose between the stylish interior or dining outdoors.

Duncano’s decking would add to ‘buzz’ if approved

Simon Hodge said the plan would encourage people to spend locally.

Duncano’s took over the former Key West pub at the end of 2021, impressing the P&J’s food experts shortly after opening.

Burger sliders prepared at the bistro. Picture by Scott Baxter

Inverurie’s Steven Reid was quick to praise the difference it made.

He told Aberdeenshire Council: “Duncano’s has already brought the buzz back into what was a declining part of the shopping centre.”

Duncano’s decking approved after eatery responded to complaint

Meanwhile, responding to the objection, Duncano’s felt the need to clarity a few points.

A subsequent letter stated: “The areas at the front of the unit… would not inhibit the passage of pedestrian footfall.”

Scallops served up at Duncano’s. Picture by Scott Baxter

They also stressed that numbers will be monitored, tables will only be available through booking, no music will be played and customers will be asked to keep the noise down.

Ultimately there were 15 letters of support firmly outnumbering the one objection.


Are you looking forward to sampling the new outdoor area? Let us know in our comments section below


‘Your summer starts here’

And rubber-stamping the proposal, officers said it would be allowed to operate from 8am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 8pm on Sunday.

Posted by Duncano's Bar Bistro on Tuesday, 5 July 2022

Taking to social media, Duncano’s thanked its “wonderful community, customers, friends and family”.

They added: “Your summer starts here.”

You can see the plans, and read the letters of support, here.

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