Award-winning Aberdeenshire restaurant Eat on the Green will close at the end of September if a buyer is not found.
Directors Craig and Lindsay Wilson put the business up for sale in 2022 and have now taken the difficult decision to close the restaurant in six months.
The two AA Rosette restaurant, which is located in Udny Green, has been on the market since May last year.
Since opening in 2004, it has gained a reputation as being one of the most popular restaurants in the north-east, with people – including celebrities – travelling long distances to sample its menu.
However, in a near five-minute video message posted on Facebook, husband and wife owners, Craig Wilson – also known as the Kilted Chef – and Lindsay said that it may close for good.
They announced their plans for their “next chapter” and that the restaurant would close on September 28 even if a buyer has not been found by then.
In the video, Mrs Wilson said: “We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom and your loyalty and your support over all those years. It really has been such a privilege to look after you and share those special life moments.”
‘No regrets’
Mr Wilson described the past two decades as being a “rollercoaster”, but declared that he has “no regrets”.
He added: “Everything will stay exactly the same until the minute that we close.”
Special events will take place to mark the end of the couple’s reign at the restaurant, in which Mr Wilson said will be “the best summer ever”.
The popular Kilted Chef Dine at Home service will remain in place post-September.
In a statement Mr Wilson said: “We put Eat on the Green on the market over two years ago.
“During this time, it has been ‘business as usual’ as we have continued to deliver the high-quality food and service that we are known for. After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to close the doors of Eat on the Green at the end of September.
“I will also be exploring opportunities via the Kilted Chef Ltd company, delivering consultancy support, product development and private catering services.
“During the last 20 years we have been fortunate to play a part in many special moments and milestones.
“From birthdays and weddings to anniversary celebrations, our sincere thanks goes out to our loyal customers who have supported us.
“Our dedicated Team Green have been a major part of our success and have worked exceptionally hard to always deliver an outstanding level of service for our guests. We hope to see some familiar faces before we close the doors in September and embark on our next chapter.”
The restaurant was named Best Eating Experience in Scotland at the 2019 Scottish Thistle Awards, in recognition of Eat on the Green’s commitment to working with local suppliers to access the freshest, homegrown ingredients in their dishes.
Eat on the Green has been a long-term supporter of Friends of Anchor, raising more than £100,000 for the charity and supporting its aim to ensure cancer and haematology patients receive the best possible care and treatment.
