Eat 17, one of Walthamstow’s most popular restaurants, is set to close after 17 years - with owners blaming rising costs.
The eatery, on Orford Road in Walthamstow Village, will shut on October 16 having transformed from a waffle house, to a deli, to a top end restaurant since 2007.
A farm shop, run in collaboration with Spar, also operates next door to the restaurant under the Eat 17 banner.
Owners have told the Standard that the shop will continue trading.
A statement on Instagram read: “After 17 incredible years, we have made the decision to close our beloved restaurant.
“This decision was not made lightly and something we have deliberated for quite a while, but the rising cost pressures in the industry have become too much to bear and as we prepare for Eat 17’s next chapter we recognise the need for change and growth.”
The statement paid tribute to staff who have worked at Eat 17 over the years.
It added: “Stay tuned for what’s next, and thank you for being part of our story. Thank you, Walthamstow.”
The closure announcement comes a few weeks after Gail’s opened on Orford Road.
Hundreds of locals had signed a petition to stop the bakery chain setting up for fears that it could take custom away from local independent businesses.
A resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I’ll really miss Eat 17, the restaurant was one of the best in Walthamstow - not just the village.
“There are still plenty of options in town for a good meal, but Ear 17 has been there for a long time and I am really sad to see it go.”
Another customer wrote on Instagram: “As someone who has eaten at the restaurant for 16 of those 17 years, I am absolutely gutted for you all (and me!) I've got so many amazing memories and moments and milestones - pregnant, with newborns, as a family, with friends.”
