Diners devastated as Char Restaurant closes doors due to crime

Char Restaurant will close its doors in less than two weeks, leaving Top End diners devastated. See the reactions.

Territorians are devastated to see another beloved restaurant close, but many are hopeful it won’t be goodbye forever.

Char Restaurant last week announced it would temporarily close its doors on September 2.

The closure is intended to be temporary, but the owners have not yet set a date to re-open.

“We’ll be eagerly awaiting the day we can welcome you back with open arms, hopefully in the upcoming Dry Season,” the owners said in a Facebook post.

Char owners are closing the restaurant due to crime. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Fine diners and foodies have expressed their admiration for the restaurant.

“Have enjoyed many private and corporate dinners with you. Can’t wait for your re-open, and will try to get down again before your Sept. (sic) close,” one fan said.

“The most amazing steak restaurant known for incredible steam, amazing service and such an amazing venue,” another said.

“I have no words other than we hope to see you next year.”

Others said the shock closure was unsurprising.

“Very sad, enough is enough,” a concerned Territorian said.

“The govt (sic) needs to sort out the anti social behaviour.

“I have been here for 30 years and it is out of control.”

“So so heartbroken for the owners, who resurrected it and put their heart and soul into it and for our Darwin Community, suffering so terribly in the face of unrelenting crime,” another said.

Blood on the stairs after a break-in at Char.

Char co-owner Hamish Brett previously told this publication crime was the driving force behind the decision to close.

“We’ve had enough of it,” he said.

Several windows at the restaurant are boarded up and this publication has obtained images of blood left behind by an intruder after a break-in at the premises.

It costs $8000 to replace the restaurant front door every time it is smashed and the management is also concerned at the risk faced by staff, management and customers.

Located at Admiralty House on the corner of Peel Street and the Esplanade, Char opened in 2007 and its steaks have become symbolic of the NT’s world-leading cattle industry over more than a decade.