Popular Darwin pop-up restaurant Needle in a Haystack closes for business

A POPULAR Darwin pop-up restaurant has closed down for good, its operator has announced

Needle in a Haystack owner Martin Wildman with his food van in Nightcliff. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

A POPULAR pop-up restaurant at the Nightcliff Foreshore has closed for business, its operator has announced.

Needle in a Haystack, a catering company that runs out of a retro food van, operated weekly pop-up dinners on the Nightcliff Foreshore during the dry season that featured fresh local produce and new menus each week.

However, in a post on the business’ Facebook page yesterday, owner Martin Wildman announced he would be stepping back from the food business to spend more time with his family.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS

CrossFit Territory owners to put focus on Bali gym after closure of Palmerston business

Businesses prepare for a highly anticipated dry season thanks to Roadhouse to Recovery fund

Destination Darwin: Ambitious 10-year tourism strategy for NT capital takes first step forward with release of first tender

“The last five years owning Needle in a Haystack have been truly incredible, growing my little business from an idea back in the UK, to a fully booked pop-up and catering company in my adopted home of Darwin,” he wrote.

“We’ve won awards, been featured in magazines, blogs and TV nationally and internationally, the success we have had staggers me.

“However, now the time has come to focus on my family … (the working hours) are not compatible with my new growing family, and to be honest as much as I adore food, it will never compare to the time I get to spend with my daughter.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

“So unfortunately this means we won’t be operating the Nightcliff pop-up going forward.”

Mr Wildman said the business would continue to cater “a few select events” and mentioned that he had plans to start a new, non-food related business later in the year.

He thanked everyone who had been part of the Nightcliff pop-up venture.

Follow @AliciaCPerera