The Huxley Kyloe and Rutland Managers views on West End reopening Having a view of railings and the sound of drilling isn't most people's idea of an enjoyable meal out. For West End restaurants, the view was a bleak sight for 21 months as the tram works had taken over the area. Now the streets are open, the buses are back and the public are making their way to the area to dine out. General Manager at the Huxley, Kyloe and The Rutland Hotel, Murray Ward explained more about how the changes have affected the business. Toughest Challenge Murray said: "The biggest issue for us was the perception of the area. It was almost completely inaccessible for the public and there were many parking issues. I think it's not unrealistic to say that the pedestrian crossing changed almost on a weekly basis which we understand why, but it was not easy. It put a physical divide between customers and the area. Most affected business With owning three businesses in the same building, Murray explained he has noticed a difference in the way they were affected with The Huxley taking the hardest hit. He said: "I think The Huxley was affected the most out of our businesses because it gets most of its trade during the day. The Huxley is all about passing trade for breakfast, lunch and dinner whereas Kyloe is a destination venue and the hotels are always receiving bookings. We refurbished the Huxley last year which was a risk and added extra pressure. There wasn't a lot of exposure really and people weren't wasting their time trying to find their way around the area. It had a real effect on the way it has changed. Re-launch With the official re-launch on Saturday, it seems businesses are already experiencing the benefits of the road re-opening. Murray said: "We've already seen a pickup in businesses and thoroughfare. As the traffic has returned, Huxley sales have definitely increased. I think we might have had it better this end of the West End, I feel really bad for businesses at the other end of Shandwick Place. That area didn't look open at all whereas this end we had the main road which made it slightly better. Now 21 months on and all the railings have gone, the only noise is from buses passing by and footsteps trundling along the pavements. So how does the future look for the businesses? Murray said: "We want to reinstate our pavement licence for next year as before you couldn't take two steps without being on a building site. We're hopeful we will have another decent summer and we can fully re-instate our outside area. What do you think of the changes?