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ONE of the best-known eateries in Inverness began a new era today as it bounced back from the threat of permanent closure.

The Castle Restaurant had been shut by its previous owners in early August with suggestions that it would be replaced by a fish and chip shop.

However, Richard and Lorraine Comfort, owners of Comfort Foods café in nearby Church Street, stepped in to ensure the survival of a restaurant that has been keeping Invernessians well fed for 60 years. To help ensure continuity of service, they have enlisted the help of two chefs who have 45 years’ combined experience in the Castle Restaurant kitchen.

Fans of the restaurant have been delighted to see it back in business.

“We’ve had a few returning customers this morning and quite a few customers booking tables for Saturday and so on. It’s been going well so far,” Mr Comfort said.

“I’ve stuck with around 95 per cent of the original menu as well. There are a couple of little things that didn’t sell that fast that I have taken off, but apart from that, it should be the same.”

News that the restaurant will still be serving favourite dishes has gone down well with long-time aficionados, with one said online: “So glad it’s the same menu. My mum took us here whenever we came to Inverness. And now I do the same with my kids.”

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