Cafe closing after becoming ‘ vulnerable’ during pandemic
Duo admitted ‘ spiralling costs’ have contributed to the decision
AM U C H - L O V E D Gla sgow cafe and takeaway has decided to close for good after becoming ‘ vulnerable’ since the pandemic.
Silk Road Deli was opened on Minard Road in the city’s Shawlands in 2021 by Tanya Gohil, who appeared on BBC’s Million Pound Menu, and her partner Ross Lunniss.
After almost two years of serving the Southside with their unique blend of traditional deli food with different world cuisines, the duo have decided to close.
They admitted that ‘ spiralling costs’ after the pandemic have contributed to the decision.
They shared a statement on Instagram yesterday which read: “After lots of rest, recovery and regrouping, we’ve made the decision to close the curtain on Silk Road Deli.
“We’ve had days when we’ve been absolutely heaving. Days where you couldn’t move – queues out the door. We’ve loved those days. But it’ll be no surprise to you that post- pandemic pressures have made us really vulnerable.
“With spiralling costs, our niche offering and no alcohol margins to benefit from, continuing is untenable.
“We don’t have an official date for you just yet, we’re still getting all our ducks in a row in order to wind down. We wanted to be transparent with you from now.
We’ll keep you in the know every step of the way.”
Tanya and Ross plan on going out with a bang, launching a new sandwich menu and a weekend brunch while they decide when is best for them to close Silk Road Deli. They thanked their loyal customers for their support.
The post continued: “Thank you to everyone who has seen us, understood us and let us exist outside the box and on the margins. Thank you to every one of you who held space for something as different as us.
“Come see us Thursday onwards, we’re still here.”
Locals were disappointed to hear the news and quickly shared their thoughts and well wishes.
Silk Road Deli is the latest in a number of food spots in the city which have closed since Christmas as the cost- of- living crisis continues to impact businesses.
We reported recently that Sinclairs in Battlefield made the difficult decision to close after experiencing a ‘ trifecta of difficulties’, namely the economic downturn and ‘ extreme’ energy costs.
East End cafe Rawnchy closed for good earlier this month after failing to secure a new owner to take over the business, while Glasgow’s Finsbay Group shut down its Milngavie venue after admitting that rising bills and inflation had ‘ taken a toll’ on the business.
Meanwhile, Newton Mearns eatery San V Southside closed just days before Christmas after struggling with ‘ crazy’ energy bills.