Business / Museum restaurant to close amid staffing challenges
THE ‘HAY’s Dock by The Dowry’ restaurant in the Shetland Museum and Archives is to close.
Museum operator Shetland Amenity Trust said that despite efforts to remain open, “securing the necessary staff has not been possible which has resulted in a mutual end of tenancy between both parties”.
The arrangement between Shetland Amenity Trust and Beervana Ltd has been in place for two and a half years.
The trust said the partnership had a “shared vision of offering visitors both a casual daytime option and a formal evening experience”.
“However, recent challenges within the hospitality sector have changed the landscape considerably, with Beervana Ltd making the difficult decision to cease operations at this location,” a spokesperson added.
The restaurant has not been open for a number of weeks.
Stuart Fox from The Dowry said: “While we’re disappointed to close the Hay’s Dock café and restaurant due to ongoing staffing issues, this decision allows us to focus on exciting plans we have to improve our offering at The Dowry, and we look forward to continuing to welcome our customers on ‘da street’.
“We have really enjoyed our time at Hay’s Dock, and would like to thank everyone at Shetland Amenity Trust for giving us the opportunity to run the venue over the past two and half years.”
Shetland Amenity Trust said in a statement: “We are saddened that the arrangement with Beervana has come to an end but fully understand the reasons behind the decision.
“We will take some time to explore options for the space to ensure that visitors to Shetland Museum and Archives can enjoy some light refreshments.
“Meanwhile we wish Stuart and the team at The Dowry every future success.”
The restaurant was previously run by the amenity trust itself before being leased to Emma Louise’s Coffee Shop in 2019.
When the Dowry took on the space just over two years ago there had not been a cafe in the museum since 2020 when the Covid pandemic hit.
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