'Devastating' fire forces Aberdeen steakhouse to close

A fire which broke out at Vovem steakhouse in Aberdeen has caused “devasting damage” to the building, forcing it to close until further notice.

Around 30 firefighters attended the scene on Union Street yesterday afternoon (Thursday 26 September), with reports of flames visible from the roof of the building.

The restaurant posted on social media: “Following a major incident at Vovem, whereby thankfully all of our team were successfully evacuated, we are sad to inform our customers that we are closed for business until further notice.

"Due to the devasting damage to our venue, our team is working closely with the relevant parties.”

There were no reports of any casualties and the restaurant’s team was successfully evacuated.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 11.46am on Thursday, 26 September to reports of a commercial building fire in Union Street, Aberdeen.

“Operations Control immediately mobilised six appliances and other specialist resources to the scene where firefighters found Vovem Restaurant to be well alight.

“Crews extinguished the fire and worked to make the area safe before leaving the scene as of 7.49pm."

Vovem Meat and Liquor uses Argentinian Asador grilling process and was visited by US reality TV star Adam Richman, who was known for his television programme Man v. Food, earlier this year.

The restaurant featured on his latest TV series Adam Richman Eats Britain which premiered on Food Network UK.