Neighbourhood Kitchen & Cocktails, a popular Cardiff street food restaurant championing local independent food businesses, has shut its doors for the final time. The tiny restaurant in Tudor Street on the edge of the city centre was run by husband and wife team Tudor and Caroline Barber. The concept was that every month a different chef took on the kitchen in a rotating residency creating their own menu.
Final service and emotional farewell
Neighbourhood had their last service on Friday, October 2. In an emotional post on Instagram, Tudor and Caroline said it was time to "bow out" and thanked their customers and staff.
The post said: "After 5 and a half incredible years, we’ve made the decision to close our doors. Yesterday was our final day of service. When we opened, we hoped to create a place where people felt at home. You made that happen. You celebrated engagements, pregnancy announcements, birthdays and anniversaries at our tables, brought your families, your first dates and your pups."
"We’ve brought you so many ‘Cardiff’s firsts…’ and we’ve loved you trying some of our wildest menu items. You’ve been part of our story every single day."
"To our loyal customers: thank you for every meal, every kind word, and every time you chose us. To our amazing team: you are the heart of this place, and we’re endlessly grateful for your hard work and friendship."
Customer reaction
The post prompted an outpouring from customers, many of whom had enjoyed the outlet's famed £10 lobster.
"Ah noway! Im so glad I got to bring my son on friday for his first ever taste of lobster," said one. Another posted that Neighbourhood was "a pinnacle of the community" which would be missed.
"Very sad to hear this. Sending good vibes for the future. Gutted I missed the lobster now" said one disappointed foodie.
Food continues through Tan Cardiff
But fans needn't fear. The couple said their food will live on through their mobile catering business Tan Cardiff serving at festivals, pubs and weddings with bookings until 2028.
Tudor said they are leaving Neighbourhood, which also has rooms above, with full hearts and memories they'll "treasure forever".
When the couple first took over their premises in Tudor Street the building had been a Chinese takeaway for 30 years, but had been listed to let for over two years and sat unoccupied. They soon transformed it. Tudor, who grew up in Canton, told WalesOnline at the time that he wanted it to feel like a home from home for customers.
Through Business Wales, they got a start-up loan and match-funded this themselves with their personal finances to afford to undertake the project. Neighbourhood may have shut but this certainly isn't the last of their food.
