Popular Sydney restaurant One Penny Red to go out with a bang on New Year’s Eve
A critically acclaimed Sydney restaurant has decided to close up shop.
One Penny Red has called time after 10 years, with the owners telling Good Food they wanted to go out while they were still on top.
Over the past 10 years, the popular inner west Sydney restaurant has made a name for itself with its ethically crafted Modern Australian cuisine, receiving a Chef’s Hat in 2020.
The restaurant and wine bar Vernon’s occupies an old post office, however the owners will not renew the lease as the landlord has hinted the building will be sold next year.
Co-owner Nina Alidenes told Good Food, “It’s certainly one of the toughest years for trade, but even from an employment point of view, when I speak with other restaurateurs, just the amount of time you have to put into compliance is hard on small businesses.
“You need to be across human resources, liquor licensing, workers’ comp, and there’s the award [pay rate] system to navigate.”
Despite dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, the restaurant has maintained its reputation, with co-owner RL Lines telling Good Food that the business had even adapted through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“What the team managed to achieve during 2020 and 2021 with Covid-9 restrictions, lockdowns, takeaway craziness, reopenings, and reinventing was incredible,” Lines said.
One Penny Red will shut its doors for the final time on New Year’s Eve with an invite-only event for friends and family.
Jonathan Jackson, 5th September 2023
