Plush Scots restaurant with Gordon Ramsay-trained chef to close after 11 years

Scottish Sun

13 hours ago

The acclaimed chef has teased a new project
'SUCH A SHAME' Plush Scots restaurant with Gordon Ramsay-trained chef to close after 11 years
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A PLUSH Scottish restaurant run by a chef trained by Gordon Ramsay announced it is to close after 11 years, leaving punters gutted.
Much-loved restaurant Aizle, located in Edinburgh, first opened on St Leonard's Street in 2014.
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Aizle in Edinburgh is set to close its doors for good
Credit: Tripadvisor
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Chef Stuart Ralston founded Aizle in 2014
Over the years, it moved premises and relocated to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.
It was founded by Michelin-starred chef Stuart Ralston, who worked under several top chefs.
He trained under Gordon Ramsay and also worked with Jean-Georges in New York.
But he has now revealed that his debut restaurant will call last orders for the final time later this year after serving punters for over a decade.
It is set to close for good on September 21.
Stuart shared the news with followers on social media with a post on Aizle's Facebook page.
Over the past 11 years, we've built a restaurant to be proud of and had some incredible staff throughout the years
Stuart Ralston
He explained that he made the tough decision so that he and his team could focus on his other restaurants and a new project that he has in the works.
The emotional post read: "After an incredible decade, I have made the decision to close the doors to my first restaurant, Aizle.
"Firstly, thank you to our amazing team who have moulded Aizle to what it is, to all the producers, and to our guests, we have loved having you. I look forward to continuing our path, together.
"When I first opened Aizle on St Leonard's Street, I wanted to do something that would challenge me as a young chef, provide a place that people would choose to work in and serve food that would make people happy.
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"Over the past 11 years, we've moved homes, met brilliant people along the way, served some great food and together, built a restaurant to be proud of and had some incredible staff throughout the years. Anyone who was a part of Aizle, thank you.
"A decision that didn't come easily to me, but the time has come to focus even greater on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our new project.
"Any remaining vouchers can be redeemed across the group in all our venues. 21 September 2025 will be our last service".
Loyal customers have flocked to the comments of the post, with many saying they have been left gutted by the news.
We've moved homes, met brilliant people along the way, and served some great food and together... Anyone who was a part of Aizle, thank you.
Stuart Ralston
One person said: "I am so sad to hear this, Aizle is my favourite restaurant in the world."
Another added: "Such a shame to see the flagship close. We have adored Aizle since the very start."
Someone else wrote: "I had one of the best meals of my life at Aizle. You will be missed".
And a fourth shared: "Aizle was just magical - thank you for a wonderful dining experience. Good luck with your other ventures".
While a fifth chimed in: "One of my favourite ever dining experiences, we have the menu framed on our wall. Wishing you all the best for your next chapter".
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
MANY food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a 'challenging' start to the year.
Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a 'challenging' start to the year.
Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.
Stuart has opened several other restaurants in Edinburgh since he first launched Aizle back in 2014.
This includes Noto and Tipo, which both hold Michelin Bib Gourmands, as well as Lyla, which was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year.
These will all be unaffected by the closure.
The closure comes after Stuart began incorporating local and seasonal goods into his dishes and menus.
According to Aizle's website, some meals were available for several weeks, and "others just a few".
The most recent 'harvest' included items like guinea fowl, black garlic, quince and salted milk, which came together in a blind tasting menu.
A description in the Michelin Guide read: "The constantly evolving menu takes on a surprise tasting format and is presented to diners as 'The Harvest', a list of produce to be featured in the meal rather than exact dish names."