One of Aberdeenshire’s most popular restaurants has gone on the market for more than £500,000.
The award-winning Eat on the Green has been attracting diners from far and wide for nearly 20 years, having earned a reputation of being “one of the best of its kind”.
Determined to bring the finest dining experience to the region, head chef and owner Craig Wilson opened the business in Udny Green with his wife Lindsay in 2004.
It has since gone from strength to strength – winning a number of accolades and welcoming celebrities such as Susan Boyle, Sean Connery and Alex Ferguson.
However, the couple is now seeking new potential owners to take on the business.
It is unclear why they have decided to sell, with an online advert stating the restaurant “continues to flourish” with a loyal customer base.
Mr Wilson reassured customers and staff that it is still “very much business as usual” and they will wait for the right person to come along before stepping back.
He told The P&J: “Myself and my wife Lindsay, will continue to strive to deliver the high-quality food and service that Eat on the Green is renowned for and when the right time comes, we will consider what the next chapter is for us. We are open-minded and in no hurry to make a move.
“We have no plans to close the restaurant and are in no rush to sell up. To sell will not be a decision that is made lightly, but when the right person comes along, we will ensure that we are the first to let our staff and customers know.”
‘Every guest is treated like royalty’
Mr Wilson, also known as The Kilted Chef, has become a well-known figure in the north-east for his passion for food and commitment to supporting charity.
Over the years, Mr Wilson has always strived to make every guest who walks through the door of Eat On The Green “feel like royalty when visiting the restaurant”.
While his endurance has been tested on a number of occasions – especially during the pandemic – he remained determined to lead the venue to new successes.
After the country was plunged into lockdown, Mr Wilson and his wife launched a take away service and started their own magazine show on Facebook for top cooking tips.
This helped them keep afloat through “the highs and lows of Covid” by attracting thousands of new customers.
Mr Wilson added: “During the last – nearly 20 years – we have worked hard to deliver a special dining experience for our guests, securing numerous accolades and awards during this time, and making many loyal customers, colleagues and friends.
“We remain passionate and driven to give our guests a real taste of Aberdeenshire, which as a regional food tourism ambassador, I remain committed to.”
Mr Wilson is also an avid supporter of charities – including Friends of Anchor which he describes as a “cause close to his heart”.
In the last few years, he has raised about £250,000 for charities helping cancer patients through various challenges, food demonstrations and fundraising events.
Eat On The Green on the market for offers up to £1 million
The restaurant has established a name for itself as “the place to go to in Aberdeenshire” with its “wow factor” and regularly caters for all sorts of celebrations.
Overlooking the beautiful village green, it features a luxurious bar, a fine-dining restaurant, a chefs table and an external Gin Bar within enclosed rear gardens.
While homed at the former village pub dating back to the early 1800s, the venue has underwent vast improvements and developments since it first opened.
In 2018, Mr and Mrs Wilson opened The Gin Garden, which provides an al fresco setting for aperitif, an after-dinner drink and is also available for private-hire events.
Meanwhile, taking inspiration from the garden, the bar is adorned with beautiful foliage and a shabby chic décor to create the most luxury outdoor, heated bar space.
Eat On The Green is currently on the market for offers from £500,000 to £1 million.
Conversation