Another bakery to close, this time it’s the award-winning Myrtle

Monday, 9 December 2024

A popular Wellington bakery is closing its doors a week after it was recognised by industry peers.

Myrtle Bakery on Kent Terrace announced via social media it would be shutting down, with its last day of trade on December 21.

This comes after the bakery was named “outstanding,” and the winner of its category at the unofficial hospitality awards early this month.

And also closing up is Mabel’s Burmese Eat & Drink Shop, with owner Marlar Boon saying online the Tory St restaurant will close Christmas Eve.

Her grandmother had opened one of the first Burmese restaurants in New Zealand in the 1970s.

“My only hope is that Mabel’s gave you a connection to Myanmar and a reason to keep yourselves engaged in our struggle.”

In a post on Instagram, Boon thanked her loyal customers, saying her family came to New Zealand in the 1970s due to the civil war in Myanmar.

A number of popular bakeries and Wellington eateries have closed this year, including bakery chain Pandoro, Bordeaux Bakery and Dixon St Deli.

Myrtle’s owners Sarah Bullock and Jacob Brown said the bakery’s “cherished” site was no longer available to them, leading them to decide to close the store.

Myrtle’s identity was tied to its location and the community that surrounded it, they said.

“The character of the building, its unique position, and the warmth and support of the people who visit us, are not just part of our story — they are our story.

“These elements shape everything that we create and stand for at Myrtle. Without them, we feel it is impossible to simply relocate and remain true to who we are.”

The two said the bakery had seen some amazing staff working there during its three years of trade, with the owners thanking them for their “hard work, creativity, and unwavering enthusiasm”.

Myrtle may yet return, Bullock and Brown teased. “Having some downtime will undoubtedly inspire new ideas and who knows where that might lead.”

But Boon said there would be no any future iterations of Mabel’s - “we are out”.