Anger over sudden closure of Brasserie 19 in Bearsden

Signs appeared on the restaurant windows last Tuesday (November 8) to say that it was closed for a refurbishment.

However it has not re-opened and local people have heard a rumour that the business has been sold.

One woman, who paid an £80 deposit last week to book a Christmas dinner there for four people, was given her money back today (Tuesday, November 15).

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m fizzing that Andy was taking money from people last week when he obviously knew he was closing the place down.”

She also claims this isn’t the first time the restaurant has closed and re-opened with a new name.

A member of staff called Arlene at the restaurant posted on social media: “To all our lovely customers it is sad for me to say that Brasserie 19 has closed unknowns to myself or any of the staff.

“Andy Hull, the owner, has closed the doors with no notice and all the staff have lost two weeks wages also. “I’m a sorry for anyone that has booked and has lost out on any deposits for Xmas day. I’d like to thank you all for you’re support over the years and will miss you all.”

However Andy Hull claims that all Christmas deposits were held by the business and they were refunded when the decision was made to cease trading. He also says he is arranging for redundancy payments to be paid to staff and he has written to inform them of this.

He added: “The business has closed due to difficult trading conditions and as a director I have a responsibility not to continue to trade in this position.

“Brasserie 19 has traded for 10 years and I am extremely upset and saddened to have now closed the doors but ultimately I had no choice but to do so. While it was a business it is also 10 years of my life and as such is a personal loss to me and the staff who worked there.”