Popular Glasgow restaurant 'forced' to close its doors after 22 years

A popular Glasgow restaurant has said that it is being “forced” to close its doors after 22 years.

Celebrated chef Brian Maule traded at Chardon D’Or for the last time on Saturday night.

He has operated the iconic venue on the city’s West Regent Street since 2001, after years of perfecting his craft.

The restaurant’s team posted a statement announcing the closure on social media, explaining factors which contributed to the decision.

The statement read: “It is with much sadness that we announce that tonight was our last night of Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or.

“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 tried so hard to see it through.”

The team said the business could no longer sustain under these pressures, thanking their patrons-turned-friends for their support.

One of Glasgow’s most recognised fine dining establishments, Brian Maule at Chardon D’Or provided patrons with a sophisticated fine dining French restaurant, with a Scottish twist.

A statement from the restaurant board read: “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 on West Regent Street will have to close.

“It’s a sad loss for the city.”