Tributes have been paid to a 'special' Glasgow restaurant as its doors close for good.

We previously reported that Julie Lin had decided to close Julie's Kopitiam after five 'wonderful' years on the Shawlands food scene.

Julie, who recently appeared on The Hairy Bikers Go Local, will now be turning her full attention to her West End joint GaGa while Thai street food vendor Chawp Pet Noi will move into the Pollokshaws Road space. 

And now a neighbouring cafe with a special connection to the Malaysian eatery has marked the closure as the 'end of an era'.  

READ MORE: Paolo Nutini spotted at Glasgow restaurant Julie's Kopitiam

Laurie McMillan of Cafe Strange Brew took over the space and passed the keys onto Julie to give her a start in the community and has said that her departure will leave a 'Julie-shaped' hole in the area. 

A statement shared on social media read: "The end of an era, as Julie's Kopitiam closes its door.

"Definitely going to be a wee Julie-shaped hole left in the Southside of Glasgow but sending all the best wishes and love to her and her team and watch keenly what adventures await them all next.

"It’s a special wee shop with good fortune.

"I took over it when it was a lovely cafe called Pudding Lane. I had no idea what to expect, certainly not to outgrow the shop within a year.

"I passed the unit on to Julie, knowing this would be a great starting point for her with the immense support from a great community.

"Now it’s time for Julie to pass the baton to Chawp Pet Noi and I just know that this is going to be great for them.

"How could it not be with you guys behind them?!? We all become a wee part of history for this special and dare I say ‘ magic’ wee shop."

The sentiments were shared by locals who wrote their tributes to the popular restaurant.

READ MORE: Glasgow cafe staff in emotional farewell after 'heartbreaking' closure

One commented: "So many good times in that wee place... and more to come!"

Another said: "It’s nice to think of that unit as a magic place where great things can begin. I hope that continues and sad to lose Julie’s but wishing lots of luck."