One of Dumfries’ most iconic eateries, the Pancake Place, has been forced to close after almost four decades with the loss of 12 jobs.
The co-owners, Angela and Euan Dunn from Perth, blamed Covid-19 for the closure plus new regulations for self-distancing in bars and restaurants.
Angela said of the English Street venue’s demise: “We are extremely upset at
having to close the Pancake Place in Dumfries.
“Although we have only owned the company for 12 years, we understand that Dumfries opened in the 1980s as a franchise and the company bought it back around 15 years ago.
“The Covid crisis has unfortunately forced us to make some very difficult decisions.
“The company, quite simply, cannot afford the physical changes the shop would need - its strength was always that it was cosy and welcoming.
“And with social distancing we would hardly be able to accommodate any customers.
“With a heavy heart we are having to say goodbye to some great loyal staff and some fantastic customers.
“We wish them all well and who knows? We might be back!”
The business suffered financial losses in lockdown by missing out on Easter trade and also the start of the summer.
The Pancake Place firm is family run and based in Perth with other restaurants in Dundee, Dunfermline and Elgin.
A former customer, who declined to be named, said: “I thought the place was about to open back up when I saw two vans outside it on Monday morning.
“One had the Pancake Place logo on it and there were about three or four guys going in and out with boxes.
“But then I realised they were taking stuff out of the place like cutlery, cups, glasses and plates for their other restaurants.
“It is a real shame. I think almost everybody in Dumfries will have had a pancake there or a cup of tea at some time.
“I used to take my children there and now my grand children had been going for a wee treat.”
He added: “It used to be very popular back in the day for kids’ parties before McDonald’s came about.
“The Saturday mornings were always jam packed with children.
“But these are difficult times for everyone.”
