A POPULAR restaurant at the heart of Musselburgh has closed its doors for the last time.

Norma Buchan took to social media to confirm that the Bistro at Brunton Hall had been left with "no alternative but to close" under her management.

She thanked customers for their support over the years and said the decision was made with “a heavy heart”.

Arts venues at the building on the town’s Ladywell Way have been closed since March last year after an inspection found “structural issues” with the roof.

Originally, it was hoped that the closures would only be in place for a matter of months but further surveys have ensured the theatre has remained closed.

A statement on social media said it was now in the hands of East Lothian Council and The Brunton Theatre Trust as to when the Bistro would reopen.

READ MORE: Musselburgh: The Brunton to remain closed for ‘considerable' time

The statement reads: “Zandra Borthwick and myself opened the business 18 years ago and I am sure you will appreciate this has been a very difficult decision to take.

“However, in the end there is no alternative but to close.

“In recent years, the business has faced many financial challenges.

“The pandemic presented major difficulties for our operation, which had a heavy financial impact on our sustainability.

“Unfortunately, the closure of the Theatre, Venues 1 & 2, the reduction in office use by East Lothian Council and the current cost-of-living crisis has had a devastating effect on the business.

“The situation has been compounded by the lack of information on how, when and if the building problems will be resolved.

“Despite our very best efforts, it has not been possible to continue.”

Last year, the Courier reported that surveys had found that “substantial areas” of the Brunton Hall’s roof were constructed from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

The lightweight form of concrete was often used in building construction from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s.

READ MORE: Council won’t guarantee Brunton funds as restoration work is stalled

The online statement continues: “Back in 2006 at the opening of the Bistro at the Brunton, Councillor Norman Murray suggested the facility had the potential to be a thriving social hub for Musselburgh and beyond.

“I believe we delivered on this in the 18 years that we have operated.

“I truly appreciate the support so many of you have offered myself and the Bistro team over the years.

“Taking the decision to close has been a very difficult and an emotionally draining experience for myself and the Bistro staff.

“I would, however, encourage everyone to share this information, as it is important to me that our wonderful, loyal customers and clients learn the news of our abrupt closure before their next planned visit.

“I am sad to say goodbye to the Bistro and all it meant to all of us.

“Thank you once again for your support and understanding.”