A POPULAR West End boozer is to close for good due to increasing business rates.

West on the Corner on Woodlands Road made the shock announcement on Thursday that they will close their restaurant and pub.

In a statement, owner Petra Wetzel said that the level of rent and insurance, and the recent increase in rates forced the decision.

The WEST brand also have another pub in the city's Glasgow Green and the owners said they plan to focus on that business.

Staff will also be transferred to the pub at the Glasgow Green.

A statement, she said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to close WEST on the corner.

"Our company motto is "Glaswegian Heart, German Head" and the idea for a little WEST in the West End was most definitely a heart over head decision.

"I lived on Woodlands Road as a student and my son Noah loved the idea of a corner pub in the West End. However, the level of rent and insurance, and the recent increase in rates has meant the site is no longer of commercial benefit to our business.

"Like many restaurant owners in Scotland, the lack of qualified chefs has also been a huge frustration to us and we are now concentrating our efforts on our flagship WEST venue on Glasgow Green and brewing award winning lagers and wheat beers."

Fans of the city boozer expressed their disappointment over the decision on the social media website Facebook.

Larry Denholm said: "A real shame, if only you could replicate the WEST on the Green in the West End, I’m sure it would be a big success."

Eilidh Williamson-Brown added: "Always fond memories - dog friendly, fabulous food and music."

Jochen Schenk said: "Very sad news. This was our local."