A popular Dundee restaurant has announced its sudden closure, blaming increasing running costs and the current financial crisis.
Customers of The Caird have been left shocked after the announcement was made on Sunday afternoon.
The Nethergate venue, a B-listed building, was bought by Dundee businessman Jimmy Marr in 2017.
It is made up of The Caird Cocktail Bar, Shackleton’s Restaurant, Capones Speakeasy, The Caird Garden and Tayview Function Suite
The much-loved business is found inside one of Dundee’s most historic buildings.
Once the home of a jute baron, it was used as a hospital in World War One and housed the Norwegian Officers Club during World War Two.
Before becoming a restaurant it was used as a home for the elderly, the last residents moved out in March 1992.
Managers said already high energy and supplier costs are to rise even further over the winter, which combined with the cost of living crisis and a volatile employment market have all led to the decision to close.
All of the staff have been redeployed to other restaurants.
It has become one of many businesses to shut across Tayside and Fife this year.
‘Not an easy decision’
Announcing the news on social media, a statement on The Caird Facebook page said: “It is with huge regret and disappointment that we have taken the extremely difficult decision to close The Caird from Sunday, October 30.
“This obviously hasn’t been an easy decision given the investment, time and effort that was put in to launching and running The Caird post lock-down.
“The huge rises in energy and supplier costs (which will increase over the winter period) involved with running a premises on the scale of The Caird, fluctuating consumer confidence, their need to prioritise disposable income, coupled with a volatile employment market and our ability to deliver the level of service that we aspired to have all contributed to the massively disheartening decision to close.”
Those with upcoming bookings are being contacted and accommodated at either one of its sister venues, Bertie Mooney’s or The Tipsy Goat.
Alternatively, those who have paid a deposit will be given a full refund.
Any customers with gift vouchers are being told they can use them at the other venues or get a full refund.
The business also added a thank you to its customers, saying: “A huge heartfelt thank you to all our guests that chose The Caird and supported us during what has been a very tricky time for us all.
“We hope you enjoyed your time with us as much as we enjoyed welcoming you.”
Customers have expressed their sadness at the news with one calling it a “massive loss to Dundee” and others worried that other hospitality venues will soon follow suit.
