Celebrated Challis Avenue diner Bistrot 916 has been given notice to vacate, with the building set to be demolished this year.

“It’s six months until the demolition, and that’s it,” chef Dan Pepperell told Broadsheet. “Good night, lights out for Bistrot.”

With the exact closing date still to be confirmed, Pepperell says they’ll “look to relocate Bistrot somewhere else in the CBD, so it’s not all bad news”.

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Co-owners Pepperell, Mikey Clift and Andy Tyson posted a statement on Instagram announcing the closure. “We regret to announce Bistrot 916 will soon cease operations to accommodate an impending real estate development,” it reads. “As we prepare to dim the lights and await the approaching wrecking ball, we invite you for a final celebratory soiree.”

Also behind top Sydney venues Pellegrino 2000 and Clam Bar – plus the soon-to-come Neptune's Grotto – the trio extended their “deepest gratitude to all of our incredible staff past and present and to our beautiful customers, it has been our pleasure”.

Bistrot 916 was an instant hit when it opened in 2021 in the space once occupied by Merivale icon Lotus. The plush decor of bentwood chairs, vivid pink tablecloths, exposed bricks and vinyl records captures a new-wave Parisian buzz, with the menu celebrating classic bistro fare from steak frites to a coveted happy-hour-only burger.

“We close this chapter with a mix of pride and nostalgia,” said Clift in a statement. “Bistrot was our fortress during the Covid siege, our long lunch on a summer’s day, and our listening bar hideaway during winter. We’ll miss our little spot on Challis.”

“It’s pretty sad, definitely," says Pepperell. “But we’re excited about the new venue chapter.”

Bistrot 916 is set to close towards the end of 2024.

bistrot916.com