Following the outbreak of Covid, the challenges of Brexit and of course, the cost of living crisis, the hospitality industry in Scotland and Edinburgh in particular, is facing a pretty tough time.
Bars, shops and restaurants are struggling with staff shortages and rising bills, while breweries also struggle to get a hold of the supplies they need to continue to make great beer.
And sadly in 2022, many felt it more than most, with some of the city's best-known and much-loved pubs, restaurants, shops and breweries being forced to close their doors for good.
Here is a list of those businesses we've lost in the last year.
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The restaurants
Ooh Mami, Leith
Local businesswoman Charlotte Brown spoke to Edinburgh Live about the decision to close her bar and restaurant, Ooh Mami, in Leith in October
First launched in 2019, the 30-year-old announced the Asian-inspired venue would be shutting with immediate effect and explained how a “perfect storm” of rising costs and staff shortages had left her “struggling to sleep at night.”
Hakataya Slurp at the Kirk, Candlemaker Row
This iconic Edinburgh restaurant made the 'sad' decision to close after 15 years in the business.
The owners of Hakataya Slurp on Candlemaker Row announced in April that their popular venue would be ceasing trading.
Hakataya now lives on through a new site at Rose Street South Lane.
Ostara, Leith
Ostara in Leith, which had been well-known for their popular brunch menus, sadly informed their customers that they have made the "emotional" decision to close permanently in July.
SilverBowl Chinese takeaway, Leith
This popular takeaway, located on Leith Walk, had been serving up oriental food to locals since 1968, but had to close its doors in June.
L'escargot Blanc, Queensferry Street
Fred Berkmiller, the hugely successful chef behind L'escargot Bleu announced in May that one of his popular eateries, L'escargot Blanc, would not be reopening after a series of issues following lockdown.
Rollo, Raeburn Place
In late April, Rollo announced that they would be closing one of their two Edinburgh locations. Shutting the Raeburn Place restaurant just to focus on their Broughton site.
The restaurant was open for nearly a decade, opening eight years ago.
Kilted Donuts, Leith
Also in April, the popular Scottish Donut shop announced that they would close their Leith branch, citing lack of staff and the cost of living crisis specifically.
The Leith store closed on April, 24 and now can only be found at their Stockbridge store.
The bars
Philly’s Edinburgh, Edinburgh Park
Philly’s which is located in the heart of South Gyle’s industrial estate had cut back on their opening hours earlier this year but has made the call to close their doors for good after securing employment for their staff at other hospitality venues across the capital and Fife.
Monty's, Haymarket
Since opening in 2016, this pub was popular with both locals and visitors - though they eventually stated that the pandemic, combined with the rising cost of living backed them into a corner, forcing them to close.
The Breweries
Top Out Brewery, Loanhead
First opened in 2013, the Top Out Brewery in Loanhead made the regrettable decision to close in November after as the outlook of further rising costs was looking "pretty grim", according to founder and head brewer Michael Hopert.
Caledonian Brewery
Owners Heineken announced that it will be closing the iconic Caledonian Brewery in May.
Stating that it has entered into an agreement with Greene King to continue brewing Caledonian’s brands, including Deuchars and Maltsmiths, at the Belhaven brewery in Dunbar, they are now seeking a buyer for the famous site.
The Shops
Jane Davidson Store, Thistle Street
A hugely popular women's fashion boutique in the New Town announced it was to cease trading after more than half a century of serving Edinburgh's shoppers in December.
Run by original founder Jane Hall's daughter Sarah Murray, the team described the decision to close as "incredibly difficult".
Leafy Love Affair, Meadowbank
Opening in January 2021, a Leafy Love Affair had been the dream of local mum Ariel Wang, as she turned her passion for houseplants into a career during the pandemic.
However, a huge increase in costs meant she wasn't able to keep her little shop open.
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