Sadness as Spice Boys lose the heat
Curry house shuts at day’s notice
Ayrshire’s landmark curry house has closed with just a day’s warning, devastating lovers of the hot stuff.
Mac’s Spice Route was seen by thousands of people driving past on the A77 every day.
But last Saturday the owners said they would shutdown by the Sunday night.
Covid helped kill off the trade, it emerged.
It had been operated by Mukesh Varma as Mac’s Spice Route for the past five years.
He bought into the former Little Chef site that had been turned into Balbir’s Route 77 by the Indian food pioneer Balbir Singh Sumal.
Balbir brought authentic fresh curry to Ayrshire for the first time in the 125 seat diner.
People would travel from miles around at the peak of their success.
Balbir founded the Ashoka chain in Glasgow, but turned the former Halfway House Hotel across the A77 in Symington into his family home.
Mukesh Varma, the managing director of the collapsed Spice Route, could not be contacted for comment.
An active proposal to strike off Mac’s Spice Route Ltd was suspended in May due to an “objection.”
In a Facebook post the company said: “This decision was not an easy one but rising costs and the current situation was the main factor of our decision.
“We would like to thank all our customers past and present for the support and loyalty you have shown us over the years. We wish all our customers the very best for the future. Thank you again and stay safe.”
The eatery had opened again on April 24 for a takeaway and delivery only service.
Spice Route fan Rosy Charlwood told the boys: “It’s the end of an era, we will miss you so much. You were all so friendly and the food always fantastic, very sorry to see you go, especially in these circumstances. Our thoughts are with all the families affected.”
Bobby Stirrat added: “Wishing you all the very best in the future. Really sorry to hear you’re closing. I don’t know what we’ll do, you were our one and only choice when having a curry. Many thanks for all the great meals over the years.”
Labour veteran Alastair Osborne , who lives in Symington, was one of the last to savour the tasty delights of Mac’s Spice Route.
He said: “Have just enjoyed an excellent last takeaway tonight. Very sad.”