Chef Dan Ashmore thanks team and friends of The Pompadour following the restaurant's closure
It’s the end of an era for legendary Scottish restaurant The Pompadour as it has officially closed its doors after 95 years of operation.
The ‘Edinburgh institution’ is based at The Caledonian hotel in Waldorf Astoria and was headed up by chef Dan Ashmore.
Over the years, it has seen some of the UK’s finest chefs pass through its kitchen including Martin Wishart, Alan Hill, Jeff Bland and Roy Brett.
In a statement from the team at The Pompadour, they said: “After careful consideration, we confirm that we will close our doors for the last time this Sunday. We are proud of the achievements and memories over 95 years. Thank you to our customers and suppliers.”
On Friday, head chef Dan Ashmore shared a message of thanks to his kitchen team and the Waldorf Astoria crew, to his customers and suppliers, thanking them for what he called the best three years of his life.
The restaurant was previously known as the Pompadour by Galvin and was headed by brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. The Galvin group has previously run Galvin Brasserie de Luxe at the hotel, which chef Mark Greenaway then took over.
The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh was built in 1903 and underwent a £24m refurbishment before relaunching in 2012.
Chefs and customers took to social media to express their shock and disappointment:
This is such a shame. One of (if not the) most beautiful dining rooms in Scotland. Sometimes the market gets it wrong, sometimes the hotel owners get it wrong. Either way it’s a real pity.
— Jeremy Rata (@JeremyRata) January 26, 2020
Was lucky to have a meal in this room on several occasions. Stunning space. Will be a real loss...
— Peni Pie Pedler (@gravity_bottle) January 24, 2020
Very sorry to hear about this - have had 2 very special meals here to celebrate very special occasions. Not sure anywhere else with quite the same grandeur and views in the city. :-(
— Lydia Kerr (@lydiakerr) January 26, 2020
Very sad to see an Edinburgh institution close! All the best to you and the team in your next chapter
— Chris MacDiarmid (@fatchef71) January 27, 2020
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