Iconic Sussex Street institution Golden Century Seafood Restaurant has announced that is has gone into administration amid the ongoing COVID pandemic.

The landmark Chinatown eatery was notable for its giant lobster tanks and a ubiquitous meeting ground for politicians and celebrities, including the likes of Anthony Bourdain (may he rest in peace,) Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Rod Stewart. It was one of the few, remaining relics in the city that still harbored the magic of old Sydney. I’m very, very sad to see it go.

The Cantonese-style restaurant was founded by Eric and Linda Wong in 1989, who moved to Australia from Hong Kong. The notice of administration was posted on the ASIC website on August 17th.

A spokesman for the restaurant told Good Food that the 20-year lease on its Sussex Street premise ends at the end of August. “We’ve been trying to come to terms [with the landlord], but you have to ask is this the time to commit to a long-term agreement?” the spokesman says.

I just don’t want to live in a city where I won’t get to people-watch glamorous, coked-up girlies icily stare down their dates, ignoring their platter of XO pippies. Rest in peace.

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