Iconic Sydney restaurant announces shock closure just days before Christmas – as they take a fierce parting swipe at the landlords amid ‘painful’ times

One of Sydney’s iconic restaurants has announced it will close its doors, blaming the landlords and rent disputes for the unexpected shutdown just days before Christmas.

Upper-end Thai restaurant Long Chim, nestled in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, will serve its last dishes on Friday, December 20, after eight ‘brilliant’ years of trading.

‘The end of an era,’ the team said in its statement.

‘To every guest who’s shared a meal with us, to our extraordinary team – past and present – you’ve been the heart and soul of Long Chim.

‘You brought life to our dining room, energy to our kitchen and made these eight years unforgettable. We owe you more than words can say.’

The restaurant, owned by Michelin-starred chef David Thompson, has entered voluntary administration, with the owners taking a swipe at the landlords over the challenges they faced after the Covid-19 pandemic, including rising rent costs of almost $1million.

‘To our landlords at Martin Place: After eight years, you’ve turned your back on us – and on the 50 people who work here – just days before Christmas,’ the owners said.

‘For two years, scaffolding has blocked our original entrance, limiting accessibility for people with disabilities… Access to our beautiful dining room has been through a disused old cafe for two years.’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Sydney property investment company for comment.

Since the Covid abatements ended in June 2022, the restaurant returned to nearly $1 million in rent.

‘We have consistently sought your support in accepting that rents are not where they were,’ the owners claimed. 

‘You appointed external consultants to review our claim, and they confirmed that we were a good operator paying over-market rent, but this information was deemed unpalatable.

‘We offered to take on a rolling 30-day contract, so you could see if a tenant could be found at a rental level that worked for you. You said no. We offered to reinvest in the space, to reinvigorate it once the scaffolding was removed. You said no.’

With the restaurant set to shut its doors in a matter of days, the owners insisted: ‘This isn’t goodbye forever, we’re already planning what’s next.

‘Despite all this, we have loved our time in your building, and while the pain of losing our restaurant is great, we’re already plotting our next move as you meet to brainstorm over how to fill your soon-to-be-vacant space,’ the owners said. 

‘We’ll be back. Until then, stay spicy, Sydney. With love and fire, The Long Chim Sydney Team.’

The Long Chim restaurant in Perth will remain open while Sydney diners are encouraged to visit other venues where former employees are working, including Pork Fat, Sandoitchi Cafe and Muum Maam Barangaroo.

Fans of the Sydney restaurant have been devastated by the news.

‘I’m truly heartbroken that your restaurant has closed. It was my favourite place, not just for the food but for the warmth and kindness you brought to all of us. Wishing you all the best in whatever comes next,’ one said. 

‘Oh no this so sad to hear. We made our way to Long Chim every time we visited Sydney. It won’t be the same without you there. Good luck, I hope you open another venue in Sydney,’ another shared.

‘Very sad news, but onto bigger and better things. Looking forward to an announcement in the New Year,’ one added.

Long Chim joins a string of popular Sydney restaurants that have closed their doors amid soaring costs in recent months.

The latest to shut is seafood restaurant Petermen in St Leonards, owned by top chef Josh Niland and his restaurateur wife Julie.