Pakington Street contemporary dining and wine bar Tulip announces closure

The announcement comes the same week a fellow local restaurant has final service.

One of Geelong’s most loved restaurants has announced its immediate closure. Taking to social media last night Tulip Restaurant owner Dan Ford confirmed the news, stating “It is with an extremely heavy heart and deep sadness that I have to announce that Tulip is closed permanently as of today.”

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

 

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Tulip has been a mainstay dining experience on Pakington Street for thirteen years. As a celebrated modern Australian contemporary restaurant and wine bar, Tulip had a keen focus for delivering a standout seasonal menu made from fresh locally produced ingredients. From oysters to regional wines, Tulip has been a pinnacle of hospitality in the Geelong region, awarded Chefs Hats in the Good Food Guide from 2013-2020 and again in the 2023 and 2024 guide. The news is a major hit to the local hospitality scene.

The statement continues, “Those who know me and have been here know that I have a proper love and passion for this place, I brought Tulip from a friend and mentor so it is gutting to lose it like this but unfortunately I cannot continue at this time.”

“I’d like to thank the staff, our wonderful guests and suppliers for the support over the years, you’ve all made it a fun journey with many laughs and good times.”

Whilst the reasoning for the closure is not yet known, the news follows on from multiple restaurant closures over the past few months. Fellow hospitality favourite, Bistrot Plume in Belmont had its final day of service over the weekend.  Whilst economic pressures rise, dining out has taken a hit as Australians choose to prioritise housing, groceries, petrol and basic living necessities.

Acknowledging this factor, Ford finishes his statement with a final call to action, “Support your local restaurants”.