Glasgow restaurant Julie's Kopitiam which featured in BBC's The Hairy Bikers Go Local to close

A celebrated Glasgow restaurant that was visited by The Hairy Bikers is to close after five years.

Owner Julie Lin MacLeod revealed she was shutting Julie’s Kopitiam with a “heavy heart” and said she would be focusing on her west end restaurant Gaga.

The Michelin Guide eatery on Pollokshaws Road recently featured in new BBC series The Hairy Bikers Go Local, which saw Si King and Dave Myers head to restaurants all over the UK.

Julie’s Kopitiam’s statement on Instagram read: “After five of the most wonderful years of the Kopitiam, it is time to close our doors and this chapter on the most magical time.

“From the first day, collecting keys from Laurie McMillan’s first home for Strange Brew to hiring our first chef, to serving our first customer, to becoming part of Shawlands’ extraordinary community, to having the most supportive neighbours, to being blessed with the best team I could have asked for.

“AJ, Marc, Joyline, Klaudia and Jordan the current team. I thank you especially. It has all been the greatest honour. And to anyone who came to work with me here, you made not just a nice place with great orange tables but something truly magical.

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“It has been the most wonderful thing to know the Kopitiam has brought so many of you joy, and that makes me endlessly happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Julie reflected on opening the Kopitiam aged 26 in 2018 and said she had a blast throwing herself “into the deep end”.

She added: “Over half a decade has passed and I am ready to explore my next steps in this exciting culinary world.

“So for many combining reasons it’s time to cool down the wok, and my only focus is on the positives of what the Kopitiam has brought to my life and many others. I’m closing our doors with a heavy heart.

“But I remain proud and excited for the future. For now, Shawlands, it’s a fond farewell. Like a good telly programme, we’re ending on a high.

“Thank you endlessly to everyone.”