GEORGE TOWN – Food capital Penang is seeing some of its popular food and beverage outlets close down as a result of the pandemic.
Here are some that are closed permanently or temporarily, owing to the slow economy caused by the threat of Covid-19.
Markus
Markus, a modern Italian fine dining restaurant in the busy Cantonment Road, is a stone’s throw away from Gurney Drive.
It opened late 2014, serving al dente pastas, good steaks and racks of lamb.
Customers also raved about the variety of wine available.
Its last social media post was in May, where it was announced the restaurant is reopening for dine-in service.
However, what is left now is “For Sale/Rent” buntings below its signage.
Noble Experiment
From the same team that brought Northerners Let’s Meat, an American dining haunt in Tg Bungah, Noble Experiment opened in 2018.
After over a year of serving fusion Mexican food and cocktails, the people running the bar took to social media to bid adieu.
“Noble Experiment will cease operations permanently. Yes, even after the MCO is lifted. We have been greatly affected by Covid-19 and unfortunately, we don't see a good chance of recovery. It has been a privilege serving you for the past year and a half.”
The owners have sold most of their interior and kitchen items during a post-closure garage sale.
Haven Harbour
Haven Harbour had humble beginnings, starting at Nagore Square, before relocating to New World Park, and finally Pulau Tikus.
However, after reopening for dine-in service in May, the owners decided to say their final farewells in June, penning a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram.
“This isn’t an easy decision. Our supporters asked us, why not crowdfund, why not loan? Truth is, we are exhausted, we are obliged to bring everything to an end.
“In the end, HH+ has decided to call it a day. The team collectively agreed to cease current operations, with no plans in the near future. We have arranged subsequent jobs for our current staff.
“It wasn’t easy in the challenging MCO environment when many other food and beverages (F&B) outlets have scaled down, closed down, or not hiring at all. It’s a near miracle we managed to place every single staff member with a paying job.”
1945 Penang
Located in Chulia Street, 1945 Restaurant and Bar was a place people would come to get pints of Guinness draught while listening to live music.
Considered as a family-friendly bar, it also serves Western food and local fares, attracting travellers and locals.
Its last social media appearance was just before the movement control order (MCO) announcement.
However, the two pre-war shop lots remain shuttered with sale and rent banners covering its entrance.
Loke Thye Kee
Loke Thye Kee was founded by two Hainanese brothers, Loy Kok Boon and Loy Kok Tai in 1919.
It was considered a premium place for Hainanese cuisine.
The restaurant opened its doors in Burmah Road in 1929, serving upmarket Hainanese food during its heyday. However, it closed in 1970 due to a decline in business.
In 2012, the building received a grant from ThinkCity and was restored to the tune of RM2 million.
Several managements later, the Loke Thye Kee of the past was revived in 2017, serving an array of Hainanese delights in its retro interior.
On weekend nights, a jazz band would perform nostalgic tunes on the rooftop.
However, this historic reopening did not even live to see the onset of Covid-19.
It is closed yet again, waiting for another tenant to move in. – The Vibes, November 4, 2020
