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A struggling restaurant in central Auckland has become the latest casualty of the fallout from Covid-19.
The popular O’Connell Street Bistro is closing its doors on April 16, ending a 24-year history.
Owners Chris Upton and Amanda Mason said the insecurity caused by Covid-19 and their inability… View moreA struggling restaurant in central Auckland has become the latest casualty of the fallout from Covid-19.
The popular O’Connell Street Bistro is closing its doors on April 16, ending a 24-year history.
Owners Chris Upton and Amanda Mason said the insecurity caused by Covid-19 and their inability to successfully renegotiate their lease are behind the difficult decision to close.
Unlike many in the hospitality industry they have had to continue paying fixed costs during successive Covid-19 levels, the couple said.
“With the continuing lock downs and the challenges of operating at level 2 in the first two months of 2021, and with no clear respite ahead, it is unsustainable to continue,” Upton said.
The renowned bistro, which corners Shortland St and O’Connell St, won one Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards in 2019 and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the past 17 years.
The restaurant has weathered many storms including the power crisis in February 1998 when the eatery was forced to shut down just four months after opening.
Next came a restaurant fire on January 26, 2016, which led to a seven-month closure.
Despite this setback, the couple said they kept their team fully employed and focussed on charity work and restaurant pop-ups.
But the restaurant will now close after a final dinner service on April 16.
Upton said the couple was not retiring and might look at another venture in future years.
“While the Bistro has been our life’s work for close to a quarter of a century, we have never thought of it as simply ours.
“It belongs to every one of our fabulous patrons who have supported us and enjoyed our hospitality.
“We have enjoyed one hell of a wonderful ride and our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our guests who have made the Bistro part of their life.”
Upton said the couple had been privileged to work alongside fantastic chefs, managers, sommeliers, waiters and kitchen hands, who had contributed hugely to the bistro’s success.
“We feel great sadness knowing we are at the end of an era, but we also feel joy and satisfaction knowing that together we all created an amazing and special place.”
Renowned NZ chef Al Brown of Auckland eateries Depot and Fed Deli said he was “just gutted” to hear of “the fall of an amazing restaurant.”
“They’re an iconic restaurant, been part of Auckland city for so long, and we’ve never heard a bad word said about them, and I’ve gone there a number of times, and it’s always been an incredible restaurant experience.
“I just feel for them big time. There’s a real sense of community in the restaurant business in Auckland and a lot of people struggling out there including ourselves at depot and feds.
“It’s very sad to hear that they’re closing but there are going to be more casualties.”
BABICHE MARTENS/STUFF
Mark Southon, Chris Upton, Jack Makin in the O'Connell St Bistro when it reopened after a fire in 2016
Hi Aucklanders,
What are your memories of this iconic restaurant?
Feel free to share your bistro experiences here:
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Hi Auckland,
What a show it's been! What's been your favourite moment of the 36th America's Cup? (Aside from taking out the cup of course!)
After a nail-biting final race yesterday afternoon, Emirates Team NZ have won the Auld Mug.
Team New Zealand completed a 7-3 victory … View moreHi Auckland,
What a show it's been! What's been your favourite moment of the 36th America's Cup? (Aside from taking out the cup of course!)
After a nail-biting final race yesterday afternoon, Emirates Team NZ have won the Auld Mug.
Team New Zealand completed a 7-3 victory over Italy's Luna Rossa on Waitematā Harbour on Wednesday with a 46-second win to lift the Auld Mug for a fourth time.
Share your highlights below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used in your community paper.
Make your own indoor planter and paint it in your favourite bold Resene colour to bring a bit of nature indoors to enjoy year round.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create your own.
Textile Cleaning is a one-stop-shop for all curtain cleaning needs - no matter how big or small.
We offer full take-down and rehang service and can provide replacement curtains while your drapes are being cleaned.
Help is just a phone call away.
Having cleaned thousands of curtains, … View moreTextile Cleaning is a one-stop-shop for all curtain cleaning needs - no matter how big or small.
We offer full take-down and rehang service and can provide replacement curtains while your drapes are being cleaned.
Help is just a phone call away.
Having cleaned thousands of curtains, drapes and blinds across Auckland for over 25 years, Textile Cleaning is highly recommended!
$50
Comes with the mattress, a bamboo mattress topper and the nice bed base.
Can have some sheets and duvet covers too if you want as we are upgrading
In very good condition and looks classy due to its design.
Length - 116 cm
Width - 27.5 cm
Depth - 17 cm
Pick up St Lukes
Just a reminder our Floral Carpet Festival is back for its 5th year bigger and better than ever THIS SATURDAY. Join us as we use thousands of marigolds to create a stunning carpet of flowers in a beautiful rangoli pattern in the middle of Sandringham Village. Take part in helping us set out the … View moreJust a reminder our Floral Carpet Festival is back for its 5th year bigger and better than ever THIS SATURDAY. Join us as we use thousands of marigolds to create a stunning carpet of flowers in a beautiful rangoli pattern in the middle of Sandringham Village. Take part in helping us set out the flowers, enjoy learning a traditional Indian dance, or get a henna tattoo. This is a FREE FAMILY EVENT - all ages and people welcome to come and get involved!
RAIN DATE: Sunday 21 March, 2 pm to 4 pm See Less
Freshly baked Danish pastries with apricot and blueberry; some filled with Remonce, the traditional Danish filling made by creaming softened butter with sugar and cinnamon
Puffed & golden double baked cheese soufflé. All in a day’s work by our Advanced cookery chefs.
2 sheets of blue/grey roofing iron 840cm x3440cm - free. Pick up Mt Albert
I am decluttering my textile collection, vintage textiles, clothing, jewellery, footwear, millinery, accessories, kimonos, Japanese textiles, knitting yarn, patterns, artist easels, art materials, and household effects.
There are also lots of books both fiction and nonfiction, fashion and design, … View moreI am decluttering my textile collection, vintage textiles, clothing, jewellery, footwear, millinery, accessories, kimonos, Japanese textiles, knitting yarn, patterns, artist easels, art materials, and household effects.
There are also lots of books both fiction and nonfiction, fashion and design, and vintage magazines.
#garagesale #lizmitchell #textiles #jewellery #designer
Hi customers,
Come and visit our store . “ Bargains galore in- store , out our summer stock goes. Grab your bargain today. Sale ends on March 20th. We are at 571 Sandringham.
The Edgecombe family of Waiuku, who have been forced to list their house this week, have paid dearly for accepting the cheapest quote for their renovation - and they want to warn others. But they are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, including professional tradies, who have helped put their … View moreThe Edgecombe family of Waiuku, who have been forced to list their house this week, have paid dearly for accepting the cheapest quote for their renovation - and they want to warn others. But they are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, including professional tradies, who have helped put their home back together again.
Do you have old things lying around that you've been meaning to spruce up or recreate? It's time to unleash your DIY skills and bring out your inner artistic spirit. Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
Give us … View moreDo you have old things lying around that you've been meaning to spruce up or recreate? It's time to unleash your DIY skills and bring out your inner artistic spirit. Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
Give us your all, we want to see your creations! Check out some of last years' entires here.
Take part in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Looking for a queen mattress (preferably not a spring one) and a corner couch. Have a limited budget, so looking on here first. Thanks
So proud of our boys. Another one in the bag. Not bad for a small Team of 5 million.
Humble to the end. Celebrate well. Legend - each and every one of you including the shore team.
"Te Rehutai" Spitrit of the Ocean. Top notch piece of kit.
Well done. To say we are proud is an … View moreSo proud of our boys. Another one in the bag. Not bad for a small Team of 5 million.
Humble to the end. Celebrate well. Legend - each and every one of you including the shore team.
"Te Rehutai" Spitrit of the Ocean. Top notch piece of kit.
Well done. To say we are proud is an understatement.
What a day to be a Kiwi.
Thank you Luna Rossa for your grace and hard fight. See you in the next regatta.
© Neighbourly 2024
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