Sydney yum cha institution Marigold closes “with a heavy heart” after 39 years

Iconic Sydney yum cha restaurant Marigold is shuttering operations after 39 years serving Cantonese cuisine to Sydneysiders.

The owners of the restaurant told their “dearest customers and supporters” on Thursday that they will close Marigold Restaurant in December, citing the pandemic and construction work at the Citymark Building as reasons behind their decision.

“With a heavy heart, we announce the closing of Marigold Restaurant. Yum cha on Sunday 5 December 2021 will be our last service,” the owners wrote.

Marigold’s management has been operating successful restaurants since 1982, with the first venue located at 299 Sussex Street. The restaurant later moved to the corner of Sussex and Liverpool Streets in 1986.

More recently, Marigold opened its George Street venue located on the fourth and fifth floor of the Citymark Building.

Announcing the closure of the business, the owners thanked their customers, staff and suppliers for their support over the years.

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to our customers for your support, especially messages of encouragement received during the pandemic,” they wrote.

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“We also give a big thank you to our suppliers who have kept the restaurant operating smoothly.”

“Lastly, our sincere appreciation to all our staff over the years for your contributions, several of whom have been with the Marigold family for more than 30 years.”

Renowned for its lavish banquets and brightly coloured interiors, Marigold specialises in Cantonese cuisine, which originated in the Guangdong province of Southern China.

The fourth floor of the restaurant features a 200-seat dining area, along with five individual dining rooms that can hold groups of up to 60 people.

The fifth floor, complete with chandeliers hanging from a barrel vault ceiling, can hold up to 600 guests and has been hired out as a function space for social and business events.

The Citymark Building is a large premises located in Haymarket that faces George, Hay and Thomas Streets.

While the building is normally a bustling shopping, dining and commercial precinct with 23 retail premises, construction of the building has disrupted trade in recent months.