Mekong Cafe in Wellington. Photo:
Two long-running Wellington restaurants will be closing this month.
Vietnamese restaurant Mekong Cafe on Vivian Street - known as Wellington's original noodle house - will shut after 35 years while Daisy's will be leaving Tinakori Road after eight years.
Daisy's owners say it has been challenging ever since the first Covid lockdown five years ago and it had taken a toll on them.
It had been "a hell of a ride", however, they felt it was the right time to step away this year with their lease coming to an end.
"We've been proud to have celebrated amazing growers, suppliers and producers over the years, as well as a bunch of incredibly talented team members, all while representing our little corner of this city.
"It has been a privilege to be part of so many people's special occasions, as much as it has been to be a casual place to drop in for locals, we thank you so much for your support."
The owners of Mekong said in a social media post they were grateful to all their customers.
"The connections are so much more than the business itself. We will say goodbye for now."
Wellington's eating and drinking scene has significantly changed over the past few years, with many high-end eateries and well known establishments forced to shut their doors.
The shift to working from home during the pandemic has decreased foot traffic in the city, at a time when restaurateurs have been grappling with rising rates and rent.
Increased construction work in the central city has also been cited as a factor.
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