Edinburgh's pub and restaurant scene is the envy of many cities in the UK, and in the capital, we have some of the best around.
However, 2023, much like the previous few years, has been very tough on the industry with the problems caused by Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis really beginning to make themselves felt.
With more and more people working from home and not in offices and others struggling with tighter budgets, it's meant that many venues are opening with reduced hours and some have been forced to take even more drastic measures.
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Sadly, this means we've lost some much-loved eateries and popular drinking spots this year.
The Fetching Fox, Kirkliston
This plush country restaurant and bar which is found at the well-loved Conifox adventure park on the outskirts of the city, and recently announced that they have no choice but to sadly close down due to financial difficulties.
The Fetching Fox at in Kirkliston opened last year after a suave makeover but the owners are now closing the restaurant as it is too challenging to continue with "big changes" to make.
The Ferry Brewery and Taproom, South Queensferry
The popular brewery based in South Queensferry took the difficult decision to close due to spiralling costs leaving local beer fans gutted.
The brewery, which operated its brewery and taproom within site of the incredible Forth Bridge, took to Facebook in April to share the news.
The team posted that they were "saddened" to announce that they would be closing for good, citing the recent "unprecedented times" had taken a significant toll on the business.
Pier Brasserie, Newhaven
One of Edinburgh’s most popular seafront restaurants, the Brasserie in Newhaven decided to close its doors for good at the end of March.
The team made the announcement by posting a notice in their windows. Since launching in 2020, the business had been hugely popular but the ongoing cost of living crisis and the pandemic were challenges to big for them to carry on.
Bundits of Leith, Leith
Bundits of Leith first opened their doors in June 2021, battling the challenges of the pandemic and tram works, but in February 2023, the team were forceed to call time on their Leith venue due to the rising costs and lack of footfall.
Baked Potato Shop, Cockburn Street
The much loved takeaway on Cockburn Street was yet another victim of the spiralling costs and cost of living crisis.
The team posted that the continuing problems had made it impossible for them to continue, and that they would be turning the ovens off for the final time on April 23.
Posting to Facebook, they said: "It is with a heavy heart that today we announce the permanent retirement of The Baked Potato Shop. It has been an absolute honour to carry on the shop’s good name for so many years but unfortunately with the cost of living as it is, it is no longer possible for us to continue.
"We want to send out a great big thank you to all of our customers from over the years especially those of you who have been returning to us for yonks. Live long and potato!"
21212, Royal Terrace
Widely considered to be one of Edinburgh's top restaurants, the award winning 21212 tragically had to close their doors in April, after the sad loss of the owner, renowned Edinburgh chef Paul Kitching, who passed away in December, aged 61.
Paul ran the restaurant with his partner Katie O'Brien from their opening in 2009 on Royal Terrace and were awarded a Michelin star just six months after opening.
Fabio's, Glasgow Road
The much-loved Italian restaurant in the west of Edinburgh announced that they would sadly be closing at the end of March 2023.
Fans of Fabio’s, on Glasgow Road, then flocked to their Facebook page to share their devastation at the announcement.
The family-run business has been a much-loved eatery in the capital since they opened in 1999.
Harmonium Bar and Kitchen, New Town
Harmonium Bar and Kitchen in Edinburgh’s New Town recently revealed the heartbreaking news that they have been forced to close due to the state of the economy.
They informed their customers that their last day of service would be on Sunday May 7 before they closed their doors for good.
A difficult trading period over the last year was behind the decision with those behind the popular eatery saying that it was no longer sustainable to keep the business open.
Blue Bear, Canonmills
The couple behind the Blue Bear Café in Canonmills took to social media to reveal that they'd taken the decision "with a heavy heart" but that they'd be closing for good in February.
Posting on both Facebook and Instagram, owner David wrote that he and Karen said it was a "very difficult decision" but one that they had to make due to the "economic challenges of the last few years" and the fact it had no longer become sustainable to keep the café going.
Elephants & Bagels, Potterrow
This much-loved café that specialised in bagels had served Edinburgh's residents for decades before shocking fans by taking to social media to reveal that it is closing at the start of the year.
Found on Marshall Street in the Potterrow area of the city, it had gathered a large following thanks to its tasty (and great value) soups, salads, and bagels. However, posting on their official Facebook page, they revealed that they would sadly no longer be opening.
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