A long-standing, Michelin recommended restaurant has shut down citing the 'financial burden' of the cost of living crisis.
Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or in Glasgow city centre served its last customers on Friday 21 July. Posting on social media, the team explained the difficult and sad decision, writing: "We have tried so hard to fight against the financial burden of the ‘new normal’ world we live in, but it has forced our hand - for now - with immediate effect.
“Surviving through Covid, then spiralling into a cost-of-living crisis, increased home working, plunging property values, lack of support for the Hospitality sector.
"All these damaging factors, plus many more have weighed heavily on us, we have tried so hard to see it through - for our fantastic team, whom we feel so sorry, but also for the City that we have been part of for the last 22 years, our business simply can no longer be sustained under all these pressures.
“We leave behind something that has been very special, and are so thankful to all our customers, many whom we now consider friends.
"Your support will never be forgotten - we could never have done it without you, we are grateful for everything and once the devastation has subsided, we will take great comfort from the friendships created along the way and cherish the memories.”
The board of the restaurant offered more context on the decision to close: “The considerable pressures on the hospitality industry just now and projected are well understood.
"Chardon d’Or has its full share of these with soaring food and energy costs, no more rates relief, a customer base in a cost-of-living crisis and big medium term turnover uncertainty. Location though, is critical.
“At the outset, in 2001, and for the next 20 years, Chardon lay in a busy, thriving business district.
“Covid has changed all that. Many of the surrounding businesses are now closed or up for sale or let and those still open are mainly occupied on a part-time basis.
"This has had the two-fold impact of a substantial reduction in restaurant business and a depression in property values.
“Desperately, sadly, with all this coming together, the inescapable conclusion for Brian Maule and the team is that the Chardon business in West Regent Street will have to close. It’s a sad loss for the city…
“As you would guess, Brian is completely devastated by this. He feels so much gratitude towards his supporters and his dedicated staff and he feels he has let them down. Assurances that he has done nothing of the kind and that what has occurred has been almost completely out of his control, will take time to sink in.
“In time, the hope is that Brian, Susan and their loyal team will be able to reflect on these 22 great years for Chardon d’Or; an amazing span in which Brian won 8 fine dining awards and delivered a 10-year programme of hands on training to children from Glasgow schools.
“Brian has built a reputation for the delivery of first-class food and service in the restaurant and the provision of the highest quality in private dining and recurring events.
"He has a loyal and significant following. Just how and where the value of this might now be captured, time will tell. It is all too raw for these considerations yet. His is a talent though that should not be lost.”
This news comes less than a week after another Michelin recommended restaurant, Monadh Kitchen in Bearsden, closed due to pressure from the cost of living crisis.
Husband and wife team Martin and Sharlene Thliveros say they made the decision for the health and well-being of their family.
Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or opened in 2001 on West Regent Street in Glasgow after Brian returned to Scotland after working in France.
Brian was an old-school working chef-proprietor, in the kitchen each day with his team and going round the tables in the dining room to chat to his guests.
An interest in Home Economics at school in Ayrshire set Brian on a path to becoming one of Scotland’s most respected chefs. He left home to work in Lyon and to experience the French way of life.
The rising star was then appointed head chef at the world famous Two Michelin Star Le Gavroche in London, working with Michel Roux Jr.
Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or was Michelin recommended and won range of industry awards.
