Smoke and Soul said they had found themselves facing “very difficult decisions” about the future of their business at the beginning of January, after 5 ½ years operating from Aberdeen city centre. They recalled how, in 2023, “when Six Degrees North closed its doors, we stepped up as the kitchen residents to take on the whole venue as The Firepit, with the hope of keeping a special space alive for our home town.” Reflecting on that period, the team added: “We’re incredibly proud that we managed to do so for the past three years, alongside growing our own family and navigating the ever-changing, brutal hospitality landscape.”
Confirming the news, the owners said: “With heavy hearts, we can now confirm that The Firepit will not be reopening.” They explained that, as a small team, they would be “taking the next few weeks to carefully consider how we move forward,” and that their second venue, The Old Smiddy, will remain closed until they are ready to share further updates. The pause is intended to give them space to reassess their plans while shielding staff and the business from making rushed decisions in a difficult trading environment.
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Regulars have been reassured that existing vouchers will still hold their value, with the business clarifying that “our gift vouchers are not venue specific, so please hold onto those.” They confirmed these would “also be honoured with our food truck pop ups & events too,” ensuring customers continue to have opportunities to redeem their credit. The team further underlined that “there is no change to our outside catering with the food truck and our diary remains open for future enquiries” via their sales email address.
Although The Firepit will not return, the owners’ comments suggest Smoke and Soul intend to remain part of the region’s food scene through mobile catering, pop‑ups and events. Taking time to reflect is seen as essential before deciding what form the next chapter of the business might take. Their message captures both the strain of the “brutal” hospitality landscape and a determination to find a sustainable way forward.
In closing their statement, the owners said: “Thank you, truly, for your support, kindness, and belief in what we’ve built over the years. It has meant everything.” For many guests, that sense of connection and community is precisely what made The Firepit special, and its loss will be deeply felt across Aberdeen’s close‑knit hospitality scene.
