An iconic north-east restaurant has closed its doors just two years after it re-opened under new owners.
Lee and Charlotte Soutar took over the restaurant in 2015 after previous owners Robert and Jacki Calvert retired.
But yesterday they announced on social media that they had closed the doors for the last time.
Writing in a post online they said: “It is with deep regret that we are having to announce the closure of The Carron Restaurant.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers over the past two years for all of your support.”
The couple assured customers that any vouchers could be refunded.
Regulars of the river-side venue expressed their disappointment.
One said: “Sad to hear this. I really enjoyed the service and food we got every time I visited.”
Another said: “Incredibly sad a fabulous unique restaurant, with such a passionate chef/owner. It will be sadly missed. The best restaurant in the area.”
The B-listed building, which has been hailed as the finest example of an Art Deco building in the north of Scotland, first opened in 1937 and has been closed a number of times since its conception.
It closed briefly during World War II, and then functioned as a restaurant until the late 1960s when it became the storeroom for a supermarket based in the shops behind.
Stonehaven and lower Deeside councillor Graeme Clark was shocked last night at the news and said: “That’s such a shame and really sad. It is truly iconic and one of the great attractions in Stonehaven. Let’s hope that someone else can take it on – it is in such a great location.”
Local businessman Jack Morrison spent more than £1million in the late 1990s when he restored the building to its former glory before Robert and Jacki Cleaver took over until their retirement in 2014.
Rumour has it that the mirror featuring an abstract naked lady, is a rare example of the work of Pablo Picasso called the Mystic Lady.
