Iconic Sydney restaurant announces shock closure just days before Christmas – as they take a fierce parting swipe at the landlords amid ‘painful’ times

One of Sydney’s iconic restaurants has announced it will close its doors, blaming landlords and tenancy disputes for the unexpected closure just days before Christmas.

Luxury Thai restaurant Long Chim, located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, will serve its final dishes on Friday, December 20, after eight ‘brilliant’ years of trading.

“The end of an era,” the team said in a statement.

“To every guest who has shared a meal with us, to our extraordinary team – past and present – ​​you have been the heart and soul of Long Chim.

‘You brought life to our dining room, energy to our kitchen and made these eight years unforgettable. We owe you more than words can say.”

The restaurant, owned by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson, has entered voluntary administration, with its owners hitting out at landlords over the challenges they faced following the Covid-19 pandemic, including rising rental costs of almost $1 million.

“To our landlords of Martin Place: After eight years, you have turned your backs on us – and the 50 people who work here – just days before Christmas,” the owners said.

‘For two years, scaffolding has blocked our original entrance, limiting accessibility for people with disabilities… Access to our beautiful dining room has been via a disused old cafe for two years.’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Sydney property investment company for comment.

Since Covid cuts ended in June 2022, the restaurant returned to nearly $1 million in rent.

“We have consistently sought your support in accepting that rental prices are not where they were,” the owners claimed.

“You appointed external consultants to assess our claim, and they confirmed that we were a good operator paying too high rent, but this information was deemed unpalatable.

‘We offered to enter into a rolling 30 day contract so you could see if a tenant could be found at a rental level that worked for you. You said no. We offered to reinvest in the space, to breathe new life into it once the scaffolding was removed. You said no.’

With the restaurant set to close its doors within days, the owners insisted: ‘This is not goodbye forever, we are already planning the next step.

“Despite all this, we have enjoyed our time in your building, and while the pain of losing our restaurant is great, we are already planning our next step as you gather to brainstorm how we can use your soon-to-be vacant can fill the spot. space,” the owners said.

‘We’ll be back. Until then, stay feisty, Sydney. With love and fire, The Long Chim Sydney Team.”

The owners hit out at landlords over the challenges they faced following the Covid-19 pandemic, including rising rental costs of nearly $1 million

Perth’s Long Chim restaurant remains open, while diners in Sydney are encouraged to visit other locations where former employees work, including Pork Fat, Sandoitchi Cafe and Muum Maam Barangaroo.

Fans of the Sydney restaurant have been devastated by the news.

“I am truly heartbroken that your restaurant has closed. It was my favorite place, not only because of the food, but also because of the warmth and kindness you brought to all of us. I wish you all the best in whatever comes next,” one said.

“Oh no, this is so sad to hear. Every time we visited Sydney we went to Long Chim. It won’t be the same without you there. Good luck, I hope you open another location in Sydney,” another shared.

‘Very sad news, but here’s to bigger and better things. Looking forward to an announcement in the new year,” one person added.

Long Chim joins a string of popular Sydney restaurants to close their doors in recent months due to rising costs.

The latest to close is Petermen seafood restaurant in St Leonards, owned by top chef Josh Niland and his restaurateur wife Julie.