Landlord vows to get bistro back on track after closure blow

A Carnoustie landlord has promised to get a popular bistro back up and running as soon as possible following its sudden closure.

Andrew Young, owner of Barry Downs Caravan Park, expressed disappointment that the venue had closed after the leaseholders ran into difficulties with paying the rent.

Mr Young, who has owned the caravan park for more than 12 years, leased the bistro business in the grounds of the park.

The occupants had been in the premises since the spring of this year, and had seemingly been enjoying great success.

However, a notice posted on The Bistro at Barry Downs social media page said that following a conversation with the owners the decision had been taken to close the venue immediately.

Mr Young, 48, said he had faced problems trying to secure the last three months’ rent from the tenants.

He insisted he had given them every opportunity to pay back the outstanding money before reluctantly deciding to terminate the lease.

He said: “I was disappointed that it came to this.

“There is currently a four-figure sum of rent outstanding since August.

“It’s been a horrible situation and I was keen to try to resolve it with the occupants.

“Unfortunately we also discovered there was an outstanding gas bill that had not been paid either.

“There was no option but to terminate the agreement as this was a complete breach of contract.

“I ate in the bistro under the previous occupants so I’m just as gutted as the customers that it’s come to this.

“We have already had notes of interest from other parties about getting the premises back up and running.

“It is our intention to get the doors open as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for The Bistro at Barry Downs did not want to comment.

The site hit the headlines in 2012 when Adrian and Gillian Bayford celebrated their £148.6 million EuroMillions win at the caravan park near Carnoustie where they were staying at the time.