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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ross Dunn

Heartbroken customers 'in tears' as beloved Ayrshire bar and diner announces closure

Customers have been left in tears at the news a beloved Ayrshire bar and diner is to close for the final time this weekend.

Rock Diner and Aces in Kilmarnock is set to close for good on Saturday night after being open for six years.

The popular eaterie and bar has proved popular with locals and the biker community in Ayrshire and beyond.

In a joint statement, owners Elaine Robertson and Barry Drummond said they'd 'loved every minute' of their time at the venue.

The bar posted on Facebook last night: "It is with the heaviest of hearts we have to let you all know that this weekend will be our last in Rock Diner.

"We will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday and will close the doors for the last time after Saturday night.

"We will have a farewell weekend of Karaoke Friday and Saturday Night from 9pm and the Restaurant will be open Friday and Saturday only this weekend.

"We have loved every minute of the past six years, have met so many wonderful people and have made many memories. We will miss each and everyone of you.

"We welcome each and every one of our friends to come and join us for one last hooley this weekend. Hope to see you all here .

"Barry and Elaine and all the staff."

The venue was announced as crowned best independent bar Best Bar None national awards in 2019.

Rock Diner & Aces was also won the Best Transformation title at the Scottish Virtual Restaurant Awards.

The venue won a gold award at the Best Bar None awards (Tigarstorm Photography)

The pub has been a force for good in the community too with links to many charitable organisations and community fundraisers over the years.

Gutted punters have paid tribute to the bar.

One said: "I'm in absolute tears seeing this. You guys have no idea how much you kept me going through an ongoing horrible chapter of my life.

"Elaine Robertson and her cupcakes. Bill Budge and his kindness. I'm absolutely gutted to hear this and I don't know how I will get over it.

"I will try and get in over the weekend if I can face it. If I'm not there it will be because I'm too upset but I will try to come in and give you the send off you deserve."

Another said: "I'm so sorry to read this. I've had some great nights in The Rock Diner and met lots of lovely new friends. I wish Barry, Elaine and all the staff the very best for the next chapter."

One customer said: "Sad to hear this. I’ve know two other pubs nearby that were well established seem to have gone. All the best in what you do in the future. It will be a dark corner of Kilmarnock."

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