Popular Aussie restaurant announces shock closure after ‘extremely challenging’ year: ‘Never saw it coming’

One of Australia’s top chefs has announced his two-hatted restaurant will close its doors for good after an “extremely challenging” year.

Josh Niland and his restaurateur wife Julie revealed the impending closure of their Petermen seafood restaurant in St Leonards on Sydney’s lower north shore.

The 60-seater fine dining restaurant, run by chef Tom Foster, will remain open until Sunday, December 15.

“Our time at Chandos St, St Leonards, has brought us and our team much joy and we have welcomed the most incredible guests,” Josh said in a statement.

‘However, the past twelve months have been extremely challenging for independent entrepreneurs within the catering industry.

“Unfortunately, Julie and I had to make the decision to close Petermen. Our last day of trading is Sunday, December 15.”

The restaurant, run by chef Tom Foster, will remain open until Sunday, December 15

The couple opened Petermen in February 2023 – following their hugely successful seafood restaurant Saint Peter and takeaway Fish Butchery.

“We are incredibly grateful to our team who will continue to work with us at Saint Peter and Fish Butchery,” Josh said.

‘Thank you to our suppliers, wonderful guests and everyone who helped make Petermen a special restaurant for dining.’

Diners have expressed their sadness at the shock closure, with one recent customer saying: ‘This is the worst day of my life. Some of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. I never saw this coming. TEAR.’

“This is terrible news,” said another.

“So sad, it was the most amazing food,” one person shared.

“Having owned and operated a small business, I know how difficult it is for small businesses in Australia to survive,” another added.