PRESSURES on Scotland’s hospitality sector claimed a high profile casualty last weekend, with the shock closure of Glasgow fine dining institution Brian Maule at Le Chardon d’Or.
In a statement released on social media, the board of the restaurant admitted that a ‘substantial reduction’ in trade plus the ongoing depression in property values meant that the 22-year-old business could no longer be sustained.
Le Chardon d’Or arrived in the city’s West Regent St back when the area was a bustling hotbed of commerce, and it swiftly became the go-to venue for the business community, winning no less than eight fine dining awards in the process.
With sadness, the chef and his management team conceded that the location which once helped them to thrive had become a burden.
“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,” read the statement.
“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 have tried so hard to see it through – for our fantastic team, whom we feel so sorry, but also for the City that we have been part of for the last 22 years, our business simply can no longer be sustained under all these pressures.
“We leave behind something that has been very special, and are so thankful to all our customers, many whom we now consider friends. Your support will never be forgotten – we could never have done it without you, we are grateful for everything and once the devastation has subsided, we will take great comfort from the friendships created along the way and cherish the memories.”
In a supplementary statement also distributed via social media, the management board elaborated on the decision to close: “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 in West Regent Street will have to close. It’s a sad loss for the city.
The board continued: “As you would guess, Brian is completely devastated by this. He feels so much gratitude towards his supporters and his dedicated staff and he feels he has let them down. Assurances that he has done nothing of the kind and that what has occurred has been almost completely out of his control, will take time to sink in.
“In time, the hope is that Brian, Susan and their loyal team will be able to reflect on these 22 great years for Chardon d’Or; an amazing span in which Brian won 8 fine dining awards and delivered a 10-year programme of hands on training to children from Glasgow schools.
“Brian has built a reputation for the delivery of first-class food and service in the restaurant and the provision of the highest quality in private dining and recurring events. He has a loyal and significant following.
“Just how and where the value of this might now be captured, time will tell. It is all too raw for these considerations yet. His is a talent though that should not be lost.”
