Another Wellington restaurant closes doors as industry feels financial pinch

Thursday, 1 August 2024

Following in the footsteps of several other establishments in the last few years, Concord will close its doors at the end of August.

The restaurant said the last few years had brought unprecedented challenges.

Yet another Wellington dining spot has closed, following in the footsteps of many others as the industry feels the financial pressure of the cost of living crisis.

In a post on Wednesday evening, Concord Bistro & Bar said August would be their last month of trade, after an unprecedented few years of challenges for “everyone trying to forge a living in our mercurial little city”.

The appetite for dining out in the city was understandably low, they said, as priorities change under the state of the economy.

“[It] has taken its toll on some of our most cherished places to eat, drink and socialise in our favourite “3rd Places”.

“Alas we must be added to the increasing number of these casualties.”

The bar ended its post with a plea for the public to go out and visit their favourite bars and restaurants.

“There are plenty of incredible places in Wellington, some real heroes out there still forging on to help make this city wonderful.”

The eating and drinking scene in the capital has changed significantly over the past few years, with many-end eateries and establishments forced to shut their doors.

The shift to working from home during the pandemic had decreased foot traffic in the city, at a time when restaurateurs had been grappling with rising rates and rent.

Speaking to Stuff in late July, Restaurant Association Wellington branch president Mike Egan said another problem had pushed restaurants over the edge - increased construction work.

“We rely on a great site with foot traffic walking past, and if that suddenly disappears for two or three years because of roadworks, then you're going to go out of business.”

Concord opened in 2022, under the management of Sean Golding and Shepherd Elliott.

Here are few popular restaurants and cafes Wellington has lost in the past few years:

• Hiakai

• Field & Green

• Shepherd

• Tulsi

• Milk Crate

• Amok

• Elements Cafe

• The Bresolin

Has one of your favourite cafes or restaurants closed down due to the cost of living crisis? Let us know in the comments