Popular Huntly restaurant set for new expansion

The popular Bank Cafe and Restaurant in Huntly has been given the green light to expand into the former Bank of Scotland branch next door.

Independent local whisky merchants Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky (DTSW) bought the former Clydesdale site back in July 2021 for a six-figure sum.

Following an eight-month refurbishment project, the doors to the new restaurant were finally opened to customers.

The building, located on the corner of The Square and Gordon Street, dates back to 1841 and was designed by the famous Scottish architect Archibald Simpson.

However last May, DTSW unveiled plans to expand the eatery into the vacant neighbouring B-listed building.

Aberdeenshire Council planners gave the proposal the go-ahead just three months later.

But recently, the firm lodged an application to the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board seeking permission to amend its premises licence.

Members of the board met recently to discuss the changes.

The major variation covered the extension into the former Bank of Scotland building.

It revealed plans to use the new area as a function room for small, private events that could cater for up to 50 customers.

But, the extra space may also be used for additional restaurant space seasonally during busier periods.

The new function suite will bring the restaurant’s total capacity to 100.

Meanwhile, the licence was also amended to allow dancing events to be held in the venue and for sport to be shown on TV during sport related functions.

Prior to the meeting, the council’s Environmental Health team asked that any noise from the venue should not be heard in surrounding properties after 11pm.

The restaurant owners took the recommendations on board and agreed to accept the new conditions.

Members of the board went on to unanimously approve the amended licence.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.