Edinburgh restaurant Aizle closes 'until further notice' as a result of ongoing restrictions
In a statement posted to Instagram, chef patron Stuart Ralston described the closure as a 'difficult decision', but added that it didn't make financial sense to remain open while restrictions were in place.
Edinburgh currently sits in Level 3 of Scotland's five-tier Coronavirus alert system, meaning the sale of alcohol is banned across all hospitality settings and businesses are subject to a 6pm curfew.
"We have made the difficult decision to close Aizle until further notice," wrote Ralston.
"Please understand this hasn’t been an easy decision; but under the current restrictions of no dinner service and no alcohol sales, it doesn’t make financial sense for us to remain open.
"We would like to really thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the huge amount of support our guests have given us during this whole pandemic- it’s amazing that we haven’t had to shut before this point. To everyone who has joined us this year, bought vouchers or had the Aizle at home delivery, we want you to know it has really made a HUGE difference, so thank you.
"Rest assured we will be reopening when the restrictions are lifted and we can serve dinner with lots of lovely wine and cocktails."
Back in July Ralston relocated Aizle from its original location on St. Leonard's Street to a new, bigger site within the Scottish capital's Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.
The restaurant's concept is centred around an ever-changing set six-course tasting menu.
Ralston added that his other Edinburgh restaurant, the more casual Noto, would remain open 'for now' between Friday and Sunday for lunch, brunch and takeaway.
"Stay safe, Edinburgh," said Ralston, concluding his statement.
"We applaud the work being done by Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government, but we also hope they are keeping in mind how hospitality can move forward and still survive, limiting job losses and keeping this amazing indie restaurant scene we have in the city alive."
