Josh Niland’s Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay closed: Fans flock for last taste
A celebrity chef took the hospitality industry by surprise last week when he announced the permanent closure of two of his beloved Sydney restaurants.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sydney foodies have come out in force to get a final taste of top chef Josh Niland’s seafood.
The heralded chef took the hospitality industry by surprise last week when he announced the permanent closure of two of his beloved Eastern Suburb restaurants on Easter Sunday.
Niland, who has become famous of his nose to tail approach to fish, closed Rose Bay’s Charcoal Fish and Paddington’s Fish Butchery.
But that didn’t stop fans from flocking to the restaurants for one last bite.
Rose Bay’s takeaway restaurant Charcoal Fish, which opened in 2021 and was known for its yellowfin tuna cheeseburger, was continually busy throughout its service. At lunch particularly, the line snaked out the front door for 50m.
Frank Liebeskind was one of the customers who had their “great” last meal at the venue.
A spokesman for Niland blamed “the variable seasonality of that location”, which sits back from the harbour.
Meanwhile, Paddington’s Fish Butchery is being incorporated into the new Saint Peter which has moved into a bigger space in the Grand National Hotel.
“The relocation of Saint Peter into a bigger restaurant and kitchen has allowed for more space, and all whole fish butchery will now be carried out in the kitchen and at Fish Butchery Waterloo (which remains open to the public on weekends),” a spokesman said.
“The Waterloo site is more suited to purpose and will continue to supply whole fish butchery to both the larger Saint Peter and Petermen (St Leonards) restaurants.
“Staff from both venues will be incorporated into existing businesses where possible, and any outstanding Charcoal Fish vouchers will be redirected to other venues.”
News of the closures has sent shockwaves through the industry, with fans taking to social media to express their upset.
“Devastated,” one user wrote.
While another said, “Pleeeease stay.”
Over the years Niland has also garnered a legion of famous fans, including Nigella Lawson, Margot Robbie and Zac Efron.
Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
More Coverage
Dally M red carpet gallery: NRL and NRLW stars, partners shine
The NRL and NRLW’s biggest stars are walking the red, um green, carpet for the 2024 Dally M Awards. Check out their looks.
Where to find Sydney’s best bread and butter combo
A new Sydney eatery is offering a first of its kind bread and butter service to kick off meals and its luxe flavours will blow your tastebuds. See what they are.