These are the Edinburgh Frankie & Benny's that are permanently closing – and the ones staying open

Three Frankie & Benny’s restaurants in Edinburgh are to close permanently due to the impact of coronavirus, the Evening News understands.

The sites that will remain closed post-lockdown are at The Gyle Shopping Centre, Fountain Park and Omni Centre on Greenside Place.

The Royal Mile, Fort Kinnaird and Ocean Terminal branches will all reopen.

A spokesperson for owners The Restaurant Group (TRG) confirmed that all Edinburgh stores no longer listed on their website would be permanently closing, which seemingly spells the end for the three aforementioned eateries.

One of the country's biggest restaurant operators, TRG currently has about 600 sites overall across the UK.

Last month, the firm announced that 125 Frankie & Benny’s sites will close permanently, with 3,000 jobs on the line.

TRG-owned Mexican-style restaurants Chiquito are still under review, a spokesperson confirmed, with outlets at Fountain Park and Fort Kinnaird in the Capital.

Meanwhile, 60 per cent of its sites that open sometime before the end of August will be given a chance to take advantage of the UK government’s new Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

From 15 July, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that pubs and restaurants will be able to open their indoor spaces, following Covid-19 safety guidance and mitigation measures.

What will be the new rules in pubs and restaurants?

Due to the increased risk posed by indoor meetings, Ms Sturgeon stressed that pubs and restaurants must adhere to strict safety rules when they reopen, to minimise the risk of transmission.

She said: “It is essential that the guidance on health and safety is followed rigorously, by businesses, staff and customers.

“That includes guidance on physical distancing and taking customer contact details.”

Hospitality venues will be allowed to ease the one-metre rule with mitigations in place, the First Minister confirmed.

Business in the hospitality sector will also be required to take names and contact details of customers and store them for four weeks, and Ms Sturgeon said businesses “should be preparing for that now”.

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