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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!
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.
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!
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.
Gnocchi Parisienne using choux pastry and béchamel sauce garnished with parsley by our Advanced, cookery chef students.
Hi Neighbours, America's Cup fans around the country can join a special sing-along to Sir Rod Stewart's "Sailing". But what about our own 1986 hit "Sailing Away"? In this story, have a sneak peak at Rockin' Rod's singalong video:
For a limited time, we are offering 24 MONTHS INTEREST FREE FINANCE with Q-Card and Q Mastercard when you get windows and doors repairs done with us.
If you already have a Q Card or Q Mastercard simply book our services and let your technician know which payment option you’d like to go with.
If… View moreFor a limited time, we are offering 24 MONTHS INTEREST FREE FINANCE with Q-Card and Q Mastercard when you get windows and doors repairs done with us.
If you already have a Q Card or Q Mastercard simply book our services and let your technician know which payment option you’d like to go with.
If you don't have a card, click the link below and apply now so you can enjoy this offer. You’ll only need 5 minutes to complete the application process.
We hope this offer will help you get your big home improvement projects underway before winter arrives.
Book a visit now ? 0800 25 25 00
FREE. Peppermint geranium cuttings on the verge outside 92 O'Donnell Avenue Mt Roskill. Lovely ground cover that smells of peppermint when you rub the leaves. See naturalmedicinalherbs.co for uses. Come and take as much or as little as you want. Very very easy to grow and will spread easily.
Fresh burrata in the making for our Diploma chefs, dressed with Balsamic vinegar olive oil, fresh & sun-dried tomatoes and basil leaves.
Hi Neighbours – The team from Wee Jobs would like to introduce Wee Jobs to your community.
We all have small jobs and tasks that come up around the house, waiting for someone with the time and skills to do them. Wee Jobs provides attractively priced solutions with our team of competent staff … View moreHi Neighbours – The team from Wee Jobs would like to introduce Wee Jobs to your community.
We all have small jobs and tasks that come up around the house, waiting for someone with the time and skills to do them. Wee Jobs provides attractively priced solutions with our team of competent staff who are ready and eager to help you with those small tasks. With Wee Jobs, you know what you’re paying upfront and don’t get billed until the job is completed.
Wee Jobs offers a range of offerings from Light Bulb Replacements, Smoke Alarm Installations, to Kitset Assembly Services (and lots in between). If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can simply ‘request a special job’, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you with a competitive quote. Wee Jobs is brought to you by Wells, who has 35 years of experience and recognition delivering dependable services to New Zealand homes. Book your Wee Job now.
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