One of the best-known restaurants in St. George's has closed becoming the latest victim of the economic downturn.

The Carriage House Restaurant, a staple in the town of St. George, has closed its doors indefinitely due to economic difficulties. The popular brunch spot opened in the early 1970's and had become a landmark in the St. George's.

It is the latest in a spate of businesses in the town to close due to a lack of cruise ship passengers and visitors.

Chairman of the East End Chamber of Commerce, Kirby Brackstone, estimated that one in seven businesses between ten to 12 have been forced to shut down in the past 18 months.

The Ample Hamper, a small grocery store inside the St. George's Club, will also be closing at the end of the month.

Julie Hoermann, the daughter of long-time Carriage House owner George Hoermann, contacted this paper to break the news of the closure.

She said it was "a result of the current economic climate coupled with the recent passing of (her father) George Hoermann, the previous owner and manager of the establishment".

"It is such a big operation with so much to do on a day-to-day basis," she explained. "When my father passed a lot of his expertise went with it."

Nine staff members, including one Bermudian have been laid off as a result of the closure on Sunday. "They will be seeking alternate employment or relocating back to their original place of recruitment," she said.

"I'm very sad. My father ran the business for 27 years. It is part of my life, part of the town of St. George," Ms Hoermann said. "We want to express our sincere gratitude to the patrons who have supported us over the years and the hardworking and dedicated staff."

Property owner David Summers, the Vice President of Wilkinson Estates Limited, added: "It is tremendously sad. It was the pub restaurant in St. George's and a favourite for people all over the Island.

"In fact their brunches were renowned in Bermuda and with visitors from all over the world. It will be quite a loss for St. George's."

According to Mr. Summers, the company plans to reclaim the property as a restaurant. Currently they are working to install handicapped access on the roadway.

He said: "Wilkinson Estates has a programme for operation and the upkeep of the property which includes Vera P. Card, a jewellers and A.S. Coopers."

l Is St. George's a ghost town? See today's Business section, starting on Page 23