THE OWNERS of a popular Merchant City restaurant have taken the ‘painful decision’ to close after 22 years.

Esca, on Chisholm Street, has served almost three quarters of a million diners since it opened its doors.

Hayley Henderson, who has been part of the business for more than a decade, said it was with ‘tremendous sadness’ that the decision had been taken not to re-open.

“It has been a painful decision, but due to increasing costs, the economic climate and the long-term effect the Coronavirus pandemic has had on us all, sadly, our small business is no longer a viable one,” she announced in a moving social media post today.

“We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of our regular clientele, who over the years were instrumental to the success of the business.

“We became friends with our loyal supporters seeing them through .. special occasions including birthdays, christenings, weddings and graduations. We like to think we became part of their extended families in sharing these special moments.”

Hayley also thanked the restaurant's suppliers and regular customers and added: “To every member of staff, past and present, thank you for helping us every step of the way.

“Esca has been a monumental achievement that we will always look back on with great pride. It has been a labour of love, and although we are closing, the memories will always remain.