Restaurant named ‘one of London’s best’ closes down leaving customers ‘gutted’ | UK | News
A popular restaurant in London has closed and many customers have been “eviscerated”. The owners of Morito, a tapas restaurant on Hackney Road, spoke of the “significant challenges” facing the hospitality industry in announcing the closure.
The East London establishment, which opened in 2016, won customers over with its small plates. The restaurant was run by husband and wife team Sam and Sam Clark. Although the Hackney location has closed, the Moro restaurant and the Morito site in Exmouth Market will continue to operate. The closure on June 14 was revealed in a post on the restaurant’s Instagram page, with the owners explaining that the decision was difficult to make.
The owners said in the post: “After 10 wonderful years, Sunday was our last service on Morito Hackney Road and as we closed the doors it marked the end of an important chapter.
“What we do goes far beyond a restaurant; it has been a home for our team, a place of connection for our guests, and a space filled with energy, creativity, and generosity every day.
“There is so much to celebrate: our incredible employees, loyal customers, friendships formed, meals shared and memories created.
“It is also no secret that the hospitality industry faces persistent and significant challenges.
“Like many others, our Hackney location has become increasingly affected despite our best efforts.”
Morito was named one of London’s best restaurants by The Times restaurant critic Giles Coren.
Many social media users were quick to flock to the comment section of the post, with many also “gutted” to say goodbye to the popular tapas spot. Sun reports.
One customer wrote: “My heart hurts! I loved this place and it’s where I took my future wife on our first date.”
Another commented: “I’m heartbroken, there are so many unforgettable memories. It felt like we were at home when we lived around the corner a few years ago.”
A third user wrote: “Sorry to hear that. I remember how excited I was when you first opened it. Thank you for the fun times.”
A fourth user said: “I’m so sorry to hear this. We’ve had such amazing evenings with you since the first week you opened. Thank you for all the great food, hospitality and memories.”
