Orchid – the bar that put Aberdeen on the cocktail map - permanently closed last week, after 15 years in business.
Opened by Ben Iravani, Andy Porter and Keith Charlton (who were soon joined by Martin Farmer), Orchid was a hotbed of talent over the years, with global names such as Alex Laurence and Danil Nevsky having emerged from its ranks.
The bar’s directors released a statement which read: “While this marks the end of an incredible chapter, we take immense pride in the memories we’ve created and the cocktail bar community that we’ve built and nurtured over the last 15 years in Aberdeen.
“The hospitality industry is facing significant challenges. This includes soaring business rates, rising energy costs and shifting consumer habits. Combined with a sharp decline in footfall in Aberdeen city centre, our trading environment has become increasingly difficult in recent years.
“We are deeply grateful to our team, supporters, and partners who have been a part of the journey.”