Overview
News just in: another beloved Sydney venue is set to close its doors at the end of this year. Following the closure of a slew of local favourites, including Ron's Upstairs, Stanbuli, Marigold and Golden Century, Chippendale's Automata has announced it will be packing up for good after Saturday, December 17.
"I always knew I wanted to walk away from Automata when I still loved everything about it," Head Chef and co-owner Clayton Wells said in a statement on Instagram. "It might not make sense to many, but those who know me well know I always move onto the next challenge once I have something just how I like it."
Automata opened its doors in association with the neighbouring Old Clare Hotel back in 2015 and has stood tall as a pillar of Chippendale's hospitality boom in the six years since.
"My vision for Automata was always to bring more fun into fine dining, I wanted to serve delicious food and drinks, I wanted it to be energetic, I wanted it to be accessible, I wanted our guests to be able to let their hair down, I wanted it to be a bit rock'n'roll. I think we did everything we set out to do," Wells' statement continues.
The award-winning Kensington Street eatery will continue with regular service for the next five months until its last day of trade on Saturday, December 17.
While the news of Automata's closing is devastating, a new restaurant is set to soften the blow to Chippendale's hospitality community. Hartsyard's Dorothy Lee and Jarrod Wash will be taking over the food and drink offerings at the Old Clare with plans to expand into a new space next to Automata.
If you want to reserve a spot for your first or your fiftieth visit to Automata, you can reserve a table at the restaurant's website.
Automata is located at 5 Kensington St, Chippendale and is open from 6pm Wednesday–Friday and from midday Saturdays. Its final day of trade will be on Saturday, December 17.
Top image: Nikki To