A beloved South London Caribbean restaurant has shut suddenly only a year after being robbed. Paradise Cove, which was formerly called Sugarcane, announced the news on Instagram.
On the restaurant's Instagram page, owner Tarell Mcintosh - known affectionately as Chef T - announced the news. He wrote: "Official - Paradise cove is now closed for good. A letter to every person who made my battle theirs…
"So I promised you we would see 2023. But only my closest knew that NYE was the final time I would open 517 Wandsworth Rd to the public." Tarrell then listed a number of reasons why the branch closed, including losing his other branch.
READ MORE: Beloved Soho deli delight fans with update after announcing closure
"I have done incredibly well despite all the odds," he added, "and had amazing help along the way. I mean: Care experienced, Black, Gay, Successful business. It looked like a rag to riches story. I don’t know anyone who could achieve what I did, as quickly as I, in the times we had…"
Chef T announced he's writing a book as he said: "I’d rather plough my energy into myself. Because for longer then I wish to admit - others have benefited for too long... from what is 'my' labour, 'my' creativity and 'my' determination.
"Well I am fed up of breaking my back for others. I CHOOSE MYSELF. So with the same courage I plucked up and used to start this venture… I am now finding again to walk away... to something new.
"I realise now, happiness never came from 517. It came from me and those who supported me along the way."
Fans of the restaurant flooded the comments with support for Chef T as one person wrote: "This is so sad for all of us. I’m really sorry, and we will miss you SO much. I completely understand your decision and I know how hard it must have been to make it. You’ve done amazingly well. Your energy will produce something else wonderful. Keep us posted."
Another added "Gutted about this news but so proud of you for sticking it through. All the best for all your future adventures." A third person said they were "Gutted to read this, but you should be so proud of all you've achieved Tarrell!"
On January 11, 2022, the restaurant was broken into and £600 was reportedly stolen along with stock and a laptop. After repairing the damage, Chef T was left with £34.
A community fundraiser started by a local food blogger raised £10,518 for the restaurant and enabled Tarrell to purchase new shutters for the venue. At the time, he told MyLondon: "I find it very weird that people have gone above and beyond to help me as a person, I don't know why - I'm no one special, I just cook curry goat you know."
Sign up to MyLondon's Going Out Out for the very best of what's going on in the city here.
READ NEXT:
Read More
Related Articles
Read More
Related Articles
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rsXLqKWdp55ju6bD0miuoZmkqHqwuo6wn5qso2K8r3nNnq6sZ6CWv6KwyKycZpufq7JuvsSsq5qtopa7tXnSrpudnZ5isK270q6pnmViaoZxfpNxZw%3D%3D