One of Sydney's most iconic restaurants, frequented by politicians, business leaders and an array of colourful identities, has become the latest victim of the city's brutal Covid lockdown, going into administration after 31 years.
Golden Century Seafood Restaurant on Sussex St in Chinatown, famous for its live lobster tanks and late-night banquets, made the announcement on Thursday with creditors needing to say what they're owed by August 24.
The notice of appointment of an administrator was posted to ASICs published notices, with the restaurant manager blaming their lease agreement for the closure, saying they were unprepared to sign of for a long contract in 'uncertain times'.
On the company's website it still states 'due to the restrictions, we are temporarily closed from June 26 to August 27.'
But with Sydney's coronavirus lockdown set to go on for weeks and even months, any re-opening would appear extremely unlikely in the short term.
Golden Century Seafood Restaurant on Sussex St in Chinatown Sydney goes into administration
The notice of appointment of an administrator was posted to ASICs published notices Thursday
Golden Century Seafood, famous for its live lobster tanks, is considered one of Sydney's most iconic restaurants, frequented by politicians, business leaders and an array of colourful characters
At least one staff member has confirmed they have been 'terminated' at the Sussex Street restaurant, the Daily Telegraph reported.
However the company's new restaurant in Darling Square, XOPP, still remains open for deliveries along with their other premises at Star City casino.
While Golden Century was considered the place-to-be for Sydney's elite, hosting lavish banquets for birthday's and work parties, it was also a haunt of some of country's most powerful statesman - as well as their wheeling-dealing underlings.
Over the years, the restaurant has also hosted to some of the world's most famous chefs, including Heston Blumenthal, Alain Ducasse, Anthony Bourdain, Ferran Adria and Jamie Oliver.
The Labor Party's headquarters is just down the street and for three decades some of the nation's biggest political power plays have been orchestrated over plates of pippies in X.O sauce dumplings in front of live lobster tanks and with free-flowing booze from one of Sydney's best cellars.
Former NSW Labor general-secretary turned senator, Sam Dastyari, who was forced to resign after accepting cash from Chinese businessmen linked to the Communist Party, was known to wine and dine associates at the venue over Peking duck.
Liberal Party powerbrokers and Prime Ministers like John Howard, Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison have also held events at the restaurant.
While Golden Century Seafood was considered the place-to-be for Sydney's elite, hosting lavish banquets for birthday's and work parties, it was also a haunt of politicians
Although the website says it will re-open on August 28, this appears to be very unlikely
The Labor Party's headquarters is just down the street and for three decades some of the nation's biggest political plays have been orchestrated with over endless plates of dumplings in front of live lobster tanks and free-flowing booze
Golden Century Seafood was founded by Eric and Linda Wong in 1989 at 405 Sussex Street.
The couple eventually handed down the business to their son Billy Wong who is now the business manager.
He said the closure was due to a lease agreement issue made more complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.
'Our 20 year lease at Sussex St is up, and we haven't agreed (on a) new lease with landlord,' he told the Daily Telegraph.
'We're not yet prepared to commit to a long term lease in these uncertain times so if the landlord can't agree then we will have to move out of the premises.
'The talks at the moment are related to the lease renewal at Sussex St so our other venues, The Century (at The Star) and XOPP (at Darling Square) will continue as usual.'
