Brides scramble for new wedding venues after Golden Ox, Margate closes suddenly

A Moreton hospitality icon has promised full refunds after suddenly closing, forcing brides to frantically search for new wedding venues. One of them has two months to change plans.

Brides have been forced to scramble for new wedding venues. File photo

Moreton hospitality icon the Golden Ox has promised full refunds after suddenly closing, forcing an unknown number of brides to frantically search for new wedding venues.

One woman posted on the restaurant and function centre’s Facebook page that her wedding was in September, while another said she were offered only $700 of her $1200 deposit for a wedding booked next May.

The venue, which served happy customers under former owner Nick Tzimas for more than four decades, broke the shock news this week.

It said the “temporary’’ closure was due to the death of one of the owners.

Sydney owners NPC Advisory, which bought the venue from Mr Tzimas late last year, declined to comment on when or if it would reopen, or elaborate on the reasons for closing.

Former Golden Ox owner Nick Tzimas turned the venue into one of the best and most beloved in southeast Queensland before selling up last year. Picture: Renae Droop

It was believed the owner died in about April.

Golden Ox preferred marriage celebrant Victoria White, who had two customers booked at the Margate venue, said she hoped it would be able to come back.

“I’m nearly 60 and I’ve been going there since I was 12,’’ she said.

“There aren’t too many other venues on the Peninsula after Water’s Edge became Scarborough Harbour Brewing, Suttons Beach Pavilion closed and the Belvedere (function space and some other areas) closed for construction.

“I got two weddings away after the new owners came along, with two more booked for next year.

“They’ve got a year to change plans but a year is not a long time in the wedding industry.’’

A Brisbane woman, who declined to be named, said she was offered $700 back on the $1200 deposit she had paid for her wedding in May next year.

“As we were trying to stick to a budget it has been hard finding a new location,’’ she said.

“It’s also financially stressful because without a deposit back (yet) it’s hard to book alternative venues.

Brides have been forced to scramble for new wedding venues. File photo

“We have had to book outside of the Peninsula and only tentatively right now.

“As we had cake, celebrant, photographer and hair/makeup booked you then are limited with finding a venue available the same day, or you lose deposits for other services if they aren’t available on a different day.’’

More than 100 people have commented on the Golden Ox post announcing its closure, with a few complaining about prices, food and service.

However, others said locals had grown used to things as they were and did not like some recent changes.

Others with deposits said they were angry they had not been contacted before the public post about the closure went up.