From farm to fork to farewell

NORTHERN Rivers foodies have been left shocked by the news that pioneering paddock-to-plate restaurant Harvest Newrybar has closed its doors.

Owners of the acclaimed restaurant announced the closure on its website and on social media pages on Monday, citing rising costs, compliance pressures and an uncertain future for tenure, which made continuing operations unsustainable.

“Our commitment to local produce and a people-first approach, while central to our mission, became increasingly difficult to sustain in a world that values sustainability but challenges its feasibility,” it said.

It is understood staff were called in the previous Thursday and told the restaurant was closing, effective immediately.

Customers who had made bookings at the restaurant were also emailed on the same day to inform them their reservation had been cancelled.

People who had placed deposits on Christmas food orders, events and weddings have been contacted and offered full refunds.

Located in a restored Queenslander-style building that was once a butcher’s shop, Harvest was founded in the hinterland village in 2007.

It quickly became one of the most popular restaurants in the region for both locals and tourists alike, offering a modern Australian menu that changed with the seasons.

It also included a deli with a 120-year-old wood-fired oven, and was well known for its family-friendly Fun Friday gatherings.

In their statement, the owners thanked their dedicated staff, suppliers and loyal customers for their support.

“While this marks the end of an era for Harvest, the memories, relationships and stories we’ve shared will endure,” they said.

Many past diners shared fond recollections of their time at Harvest on social media.

“My husband and I celebrated our engagement there and held our beautiful wedding reception there in 2018,” Katrina Wilson wrote on Instagram. “Every time we go there for a coffee and a croissant the beautiful memories bring us so much happiness.”