Beloved Edinburgh cafe receives outpouring of heartfelt messages before closure

Locals shared heartfelt farewells for the much-loved eatery
-Credit:Google


An award-winning Edinburgh cafe and restaurant has received an outpouring of heartfelt farewell messages as it heads into its final weekend of business.

The shock closure of Honey Comb & Co in Bruntsfield was announced earlier in January.

Owner Ian D’Annunzio-Green confirmed the news as he is set to retire from the hospitality industry. Its final weekend of service will conclude Sunday, January 19.

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The business will transfer into the management of Peter and Steph Borgen-Nielsen, owners of the Pantry Edinburgh and two Hulu Juice Bar locations. The premises will be converted into Pantry Edinburgh with staff making the move to become employees under the new business model.

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Edinburgh residents took to social media to share good wishes and express their sadness at the business's departure from the capital's restaurant lineup.

Many raved about the beloved establishment's exemplary food, service, and atmosphere.

One disappointed but loyal customer shared: "Absolutely gutted. There is nothing in Edinburgh that rivals its service (the staff were always so accommodating and even if you hadn’t been in for months remembered you) or food for brunch.

"Always a favourite for birthdays and milestone days when we needed a treat! The whole team should be very proud. Happy retirement."

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Another penned: "My favourite place in Edinburgh, genuinely gutted about this! No place will be able to match what you have achieved; the brilliant staff, the delicious food, and unbelievable drinks - everything! Such a shame they won't be continuing it as it is. Wishing you the very best for your retirement (but wish the Honeycomb legacy would continue!)"

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Liv Connolly Bastock, former owner of the nearby Salt Cafe, shared a warm message about Ian's generosity and kindess.

She posted: "I'll never forget when I bought Salt Cafe and you popped in with a bottle of champagne and a warm hug. Instead of seeing me as a competitor, you saw me as an equal, where we could support each other over the incredible years that followed."

Some former employees and colleagues also took to social media to wish Ian well as he heads into retirement.

Edinburgh chef Barry Bryson called Ian a "mentor" and "friend," adding: "Huge congratulations. The love and respect your team, customers, and suppliers have had for you over your incredible career is exemplary for me and many others. A true hospo legend! Enjoy every minute of all the time that's ahead of you."

A former employee posted: "End of an era. What a wonderful human being you are Ian. I worked for Ian when I was studying many, many years ago. They were fun times.

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"A true hospitality professional with bags of passion, vision and creativity. Enjoy retirement. You’ve earned it."

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