The City Bar and Diner, a fixture of Aberdeen’s Netherkirkgate for almost a decade, has permanently closed, its owners have confirmed in a social media statement. The announcement, posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page on Saturday, followed the venue’s final day of trading and drew an outpouring of tributes from regular customers.
The bar and restaurant first opened in September 2016 on Netherkirkgate, a historic thoroughfare near Union Street in the heart of Aberdeen city centre. The business was run by head chef Dave Anderson and his wife Jacqui, with Dave Anderson having built his career in hospitality over several decades, including roles at The Windsor Hotel in Nairn, Cafe Society and the Boozy Cow restaurant chain.
In their closure statement, the owners wrote: “For those of you who don’t know, The City Bar & Diner is now permanently closed. Over the last 10 years, we have made friends with most of our customers and will take away great memories of you all. It has been a pleasure running our little restaurant over the years, but this is due to all the friendly and kind people who have been regulars for years. So all I can say is thank you from Dave, Jacqui, Helen and Anna and wish you all the best in the future.”
The announcement prompted dozens of responses from customers. One wrote: “So sorry to hear this, work lunches out won’t be the same x.”
A further tribute read: “Your marvellous team won’t be forgotten, loved coming in (as I’m sure you know!) Take care and good luck with whatever your futures hold, thanks for all the happy, and yummy, memories.” A fourth customer added: “Really sad to hear this. Amazing food and staff, I’ll miss the place a lot. All the best in whatever you all do next.”
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The closure adds to a difficult run for Aberdeen’s hospitality sector. City centre operators including Revolución de Cuba, Smoke and Soul’s Firepit and the historic Old Kings Highway pub have all ceased trading over the past 18 months, with operators citing pressures from lower footfall, rising costs and lease terms, against a backdrop of industry calls for business rates relief to support struggling venues.
Netherkirkgate itself is among the oldest streets in Aberdeen, with records dating back to a 1212 charter. The street once served as a principal route to St Nicholas Kirk before the construction of Union Street in the early 19th century diminished its role as a main thoroughfare.
No further comment has been issued by the owners regarding future plans, and the premises’ next use has not yet been announced.
