‘No longer viable’: Celebrity chef Nick Nairn suddenly shuts Bridge of Allan restaurant

Celebrity chef Nick Nairn has closed his restaurant in Bridge of Allan, stating it was “no longer viable” in the economic climate.

Nairn’s reopened in Stirlingshire last summer, the site having been devastated by a fire in 2021.

But now Nick and his wife Julia have decided to close down the restaurant.

TV chef Nick, who was a regular on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook, became the youngest Scot to win a Michelin star in 1991.

In a post on Facebook, Nick shared: “It is with sadness that we announce the closure of our beautiful Bridge of Allan restaurant.

“We are immensely proud of the fantastic food, staff, and culture created since our arrival on Henderson Street in 2019. We thank you for your support and appreciation of all that we brought to the high street. It’s been quite the journey.

“We will continue to deliver food and service of exceptional quality in the stunning surroundings of Lake of Menteith supported by Robyn and the team.

“Today feels quite surreal and very raw, we plan to regroup with our team at Lake of Menteith, where it’s business as usual. Please don’t hesitate to email info@nicknairncookschool.com with any enquiries.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you - Julia & Nick xx”

Explaining the decision in a statement given to the Herald in Scotland, the pair said: “Many in the hospitality industry continue to struggle and recover post-Covid.

“For Nairn’s, the added trauma of a fire and prolonged closure period, coupled with our return to business in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis has created the perfect storm.

“Additionally, in 2019 and pre-Covid, we entered into a management agreement with a third party, when hospitality was still buoyant.

“Sadly, what was once reasonable is now unaffordable, all of these factors mean the business is no longer viable.”