New restaurants have been opening in Sydney at a brisk clip this year, but we’re also losing plenty of heavy-hitters. Inner-West favourite Stanbuli has closed, Newtown staple Hartsyard has just a few more weeks of service and Saint Peter has about six months before its boutique hotel metamorphosis. Now, Automata, Clayton Wells’ beloved fine diner, is calling time.
“After nearly seven wonderful years, I have decided that I would like to challenge myself creatively and explore something new,” said owner-chef Clayton Wells in a release earlier today. “I feel like I have explored everything I’ve wanted to with Automata, which is why it’s the perfect time to zip it up and move on, while I still love it.”
Automata raised Chippendale and the surrounding precinct’s dining standards, offering up a thoughtful and nuanced set menu that pulled on Wells’ time in kitchens including Momofuku Seiobo, Tetsuya’s and Quay. The restaurant will close in December, so there’s still plenty of time to nab a booking for what’s sure to be a nostalgic farewell tour. The news of Automata’s closure comes nearly two years after the closure of Wells’ other project, A1 Canteen, an all-day canteen known for serving some of Sydney’s most legendary sandwiches.
“I’m so proud of what our little restaurant in Chippendale has achieved,” Wells said. “As well as all the amazing support we’ve had from our diners and the hospitality industry.”
Automata will trade until December 17.
