Popular East Lothian bistro suddenly closes after 18 years
Locals have reacted with great sadness to the news that a popular East Lothian bistro has closed its doors after 18 years.
The Bistro at the Brunton in Musselburgh said it was a “very difficult” decision to shut, but added that they “had been left with "no alternative”.
In March 2023, the Brunton Theatre, which houses the bistro, was closed over safety concerns. East Lothian Council said it had found Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) had been used in roof slabs in the form of Siporex roof slabs.
Announcing the bistro’s closure in a post on Facebook, Norma Buchan wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that the Bistro at the Brunton under my management has closed its doors for the last time. It will now be East Lothian Council and The Brunton Theatre Trust’s decision as to whether or when it will re-open.
“Zandra Borthwick and I opened the business 18 years ago and I am sure you will appreciate this has been a very difficult decision to take. However, 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.
“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 eighteen 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.
"I would encourage everyone to share this information as it is important that our wonderful, loyal customers and clients learn of our abrupt closure before their next planned visit.”