These bars, restaurants and a Glasgow club are no longer in business. Here we take a look back at their history and why they shut for good.
This Merchant City bar has closed with immediate effect. The Metropolitan Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, located in the Merchant Square, had been trading for over 20 years.
The hospitality business opened in the city centre in 2002 and has been owned by Kevin Maguire since 2007.
The venue had regular pre-theatre and a la carte menus for afternoon and evening dining. It catered for private events and small weddings.
Another mainstay of the Glasgow hospitality scene was The Shed, the owners of which made the ‘difficult decision’ to close after 26 years in business.
The southside club opened in 1998 but will close for good this month. The current climate and night time industry struggles were blamed for the closure.
Writing on social media, The Shed team said: “It’s been 26 years since The Shed first opened in Shawlands. Since then, we’ve welcomed generations of Glaswegians through our doors. Some of you met your life partners here - others broke up with them. A few of you were barred (and still are), thousands went home without their black, leather, New Look jacket - size 10.
“Our biggest achievement will always be the army of Shed Babies that wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for this institution, so believe us when we say, this is a difficult message to write.
“After many sleepless nights (you think we’d be used to it by now) we’ve made the difficult decision to close the Shed Nightclub
“The iconic building, like its custodians, has aged and hospitality demands constant innovation, energy and support to keep going. It is no secret that this industry is struggling. A recent study suggests that, at its current rate, the UK may have no nightclubs by 2030.
“So, as we take a step back we hope to find the next generation to flourish at this Southside institution in some form, but it won’t be a nightclub.
“This place has meant so much to so many over the years, not least our amazing staff, who have contributed so much, thank you to everyone!”
This beautiful Fife seafood restaurant, located in a townhouse overlooking the Firth of Forth, will close on 28 September after trading for 18 years.
Explaining the decision, owner Hannah Norman wrote on social media saying: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of Room with a View restaurant, effective as of the 28th of September 2024.
“After 18 wonderful years, this decision has not come lightly, the business has been a significant part of my life and a cherished establishment for many in our community.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all of our staff members, both past and present.
“Your hard work, dedication, and passion have made Room with a View a place of joy and celebration, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.
“Unfortunately, the current economic climate has posed numerous challenges for the hospitality industry, and we have faced many financial constraints that have made it increasingly difficult to operate.
“Additionally, my personal circumstances have led me to prioritise family at this time.
“As I care for my elderly disabled mother and my 10-year-old triplets, I realise that it is essential to focus on family and cherish the precious time we have together.
“To all of our loyal customers, thank you for your support and patronage throughout the years.
“We have had the privilege of serving countless loyal customers; you have made our restaurant a vibrant part of this community.
“We will carry fond memories of the laughter, celebrations, and special moments shared within our walls.
“This closure marks the end of an era, but I remain hopeful for the future.
“Thank you once again for everything.”
Cocktail fans were dismayed when owner, Iain McPherson, announced the shock closure of this well established Edinburgh speakeasy earlier this year. It will close later this autumn.
The dive bar, which is located on Hanover Street through a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway between Oliver Bonas and Bella Italia, is themed around a New Orleans vintage funfair and has retro video games, a tarot-based cocktail menu and boozy ice cream, Señor Scoop.
Speaking to Class Bar Mag, owner McPherson said: “I tried my best over the past 18 months to try and keep it open, but the new landlords have plans for the whole building and in the end there was nothing I could do. I apologise to everyone connected that I somewhat failed in that sense.
“It's a really gutting feeling, as we had created something really unique and the team have been absolutely brilliant. Telling the team the news was probably the hardest thing I've had to do in my 10-plus years as a bar operator.
“Please pop in while you still have time, as there will never be a bar and bar team similar to Hoot. Hoot will last a lifetime in my heart.”
This popular Chinese restaurant made the announcement that it was closing in June this year. The Haymarket Terrace restaurant, which served up British-style Chinese food inspired by the dishes of Hong Kong, shut soon after the announcement.
In a post on their Facebook page, the team wrote: “Hey everyone, we have some bittersweet news. After five amazing years, we’ve decided it’s time to close the doors at Hau Han.
“We're so grateful for all your support and the great times we've shared over the years. Our last evening of service will be this Friday 28th June. Thanks for everything and if you need a Hau Han fix before we go we hope to see you during the week!”
