Crossgar diner reopens 15 months after devastating fire

A much-loved local restaurant has reopened its doors more than a year after a major fire forced its closure.

AJ’s Diner, located at the heart of Crossgar village, had remained shut since Boxing Day 2023, when a fire caused extensive damage to its kitchen and dining area. The incident prompted a large emergency response, with nine fire appliances—including an aerial unit—and breathing apparatus teams deployed to bring the blaze under control.

After 15 months of restoration work, the team at AJ’s announced on Thursday morning that they are once again welcoming customers.

“It’s been 15 months since the fire on Boxing Day 2023 and we’re delighted to be able to announce WE’RE OPEN!!” a spokesperson shared in a post.

Staff have been working behind the scenes to ensure that all systems, staff training, and safety protocols are fully in place ahead of the return.

“We’ve been quietly working away last week to ensure all the new equipment, staff and procedures are in place and delighted to announce we are ready to go. We ask you to bear with us as its been a looooooooong 15 months and we want to make sure we have everything just right for all our wonderfully loyal customers who have stuck with us and been so supportive- it’s means so much to us all.”

The diner is initially reopening with limited seating to ensure a smooth transition.

“With this in mind we are limiting our seating this week and therefore please be aware we expect to be very busy and may not be able to accommodate everyone straight away- we are confident we’ll be back to full capacity very very soon.”

While dine-in service is now available, takeaway orders are still on hold for the moment.

“Finally, just to add, we won’t be doing takeaways just yet but will keep you all posted when they will be available.

“We can’t wait to welcome you back to the newly refurbished AJ’s.”