Chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Alexis Gauthier have expressed their sadness
A popular Malaysian restaurant in Islington has shut after eight years of trading amid “relentless cost increases”. Sambal Shiok closed its doors on Holloway Road on Wednesday, May 27, much to diners’ disappointment.
Chef-founder Mandy Yin started out with a street food business in 2013 before launching the laksa bar in 2018. Though her ‘heart, pride and life’s work’, the 44-year-old stated she can no longer carry the financial risk of keeping the brick-and-mortar site afloat.
Sharing the shock news on Instagram, Mandy said: “Relentless cost increases, staffing pressures and the weight of operational responsibility has taken a deep toll on my mental health and personal life.
“Since Covid, trading has become increasingly volatile and unpredictable. Our autumn/winters – match season on the Holloway Road – have still brought wonderful customers through the door. But revenue has not kept pace with the rising costs of running an independent restaurant.”
She hit out at the Labour government for failing to recognise the value of the independent hospitality industry. In February, Alexandra Depledge, a senior advisor to Rachel Reeves, sparked backlash by claiming the UK doesn’t need any more restaurants.
The comment came weeks after business rates skyrocketed, stretching bosses struggling under National Insurance hikes even further.
Mandy went on to thank her customers, staff and suppliers for their support over the past 13 years, adding the decision “will not be the end of my story”. She is now focusing on finding her team new jobs.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of sadness online, including from Yotam Ottolenghi, who wrote: “So sorry Mandy! Such a loss. So sad.”
Alexis Gauthier, who runs acclaimed vegan restaurant Gauthier Soho added: “Sad to see this chapter come to an end, nothing can take away what you have achieved.”
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