Cape Town culinary icon and Eat Out darling Jardine Restaurant is set to close on the 28th of February.

Since its inception five years ago, Jardine has featured on the Eat Out Top 10 Restaurants list three times, with owner and previous executive chef George Jardine having been awarded the esteemed title of Chef of the Year in 2006 and 2007.

“It’s the end of an era for me,” said Jardine, who is currently executive chef of Jordan Restaurant. “We’ve built up a regular base of customers over the years, and a lot of our staff has been here since we opened, so it will be quite sad to say goodbye. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.”

According to current executive chef Eric Bulpitt, who earned Jardine a place on the Eat Out Awards nominee list last year, the restaurant has run its course.

“The five year lease came to an end and, given the economic climate, we weren’t willing to commit to another five,” said Bullpit. “I will be moving to The Roundhouse as executive chef and working alongside PJ Vadas, something I’m very excited about.”

Jardine’s eponymous bakery will also be closing at the end of February, but fans will be delighted to hear that baker Jason Lilley will be opening another bakery in the city, the location of which is still to be announced.