A PICTURESQUE Haddington restaurant has closed.

The Waterside Bistro, beside the River Tyne, announced the closure last Tuesday evening on its Facebook page.

Louise Williams and Jonny Dunbar were running the restaurant but a statement read: “It is with much sadness and a heavy heart we confirm the closure of the Waterside.

“It was not the easiest decision to make. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support over the past three years; there have been lots of great memories.

“A big thank you to the bistro staff too.”

The closure was met with sadness and surprise from a number of members of the public.

Roddy MacArthur posted: “Really sorry to hear this Louise. It was a great place to go. We will miss it and you.

“You worked so hard. Good luck wherever you end up.”

Meanwhile, Paula Gonzalez said: “So sorry to hear this. We’ve celebrated so many special occasions there, lots of good memories, thanks and the very best for the future.”

Ward councillor John McMillan, who is also the local authority’s spokesman for tourism and economic development, described the closure of the restaurant as “sad”.

He had been in the restaurant – which has been flooded on occasion in recent years – with the Provost of Aubigny to mark 50 years of twinning between Haddington and the French town.

Mr McMillan said: “Nobody has been in touch and it did seem to me like it was diversifying.

“It had the comedy nights and I think everybody is just so disappointed, but it is another point that if you don’t use these places then we are going to lose them. It is about supporting local restaurants.”

It is not the only restaurant in the town to have closed its doors in recent years, with the Waterloo Bistro, on the opposite side of the River Tyne, also closed.