The heart of Aberdeen’s culinary scene has been dealt a blow as the popular Esslemont & Macintosh restaurant announced its closure.
This unfortunate development comes as the latest casualty in a string of shutdowns plaguing the city centre, highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by local businesses.
The restaurant, which had become a cherished dining spot for many Aberdonians, cited dwindling footfall as the primary reason for its demise.
This closure serves as a stark reminder of the challenges confronting the hospitality sector in Aberdeen’s once-bustling downtown area.
Local business leaders and city officials have expressed concern over the declining foot traffic in the city centre.
The closure of Esslemont & Macintosh is seen as a symptom of broader issues affecting Aberdeen’s urban core, including changing consumer habits and economic pressures.
As reported by the Press and Journal, Allan Henderson, owner of Esslemont & Macintosh said: “While recovering from the consequences of Covid closures and recently, lower footfall in the area, we have made the business decision to close the restaurant for the time being.
“Whilst we are disappointed to close the restaurant, we are delighted that we can move our hard-working staff to a new-look restaurant at The Ferryhill.”
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr said: “The closure of the Esslemont is another hammer blow to Union Street and our city centre.
“It comes just months after the nearby RBS shut its doors, adding to so many others.
“This building is part of the historic fabric of our city centre and for it to be empty is devastating for Aberdeen’s economy, prestige and actually, self-belief.
“What is clear beyond any doubt is that businesses are being starved of the footfall needed to survive by Aberdeen City Council’s ludicrous decision to implement bus gates and LEZs in the area.
“This, coupled with the Scottish Government’s punitive business rates system, is killing our city centre, with closures snowballing at an alarming rate.
“That’s despite the best efforts of local businesses, groups and volunteers doing all they can, often unpaid, to turn this trend around.
“The council must go back to the drawing board and reconsider these measures by focussing more on regenerating, reinvigorating and revitalising our wonderful city centre.”
As the community grapples with the loss of this culinary landmark, questions arise about the future of Aberdeen’s city centre and what measures might be necessary to revitalise the area.
The closure has sparked discussions among local stakeholders about potential strategies to boost footfall and support remaining businesses in the heart of the Granite City.
