When Sarah Shaweesh closed her Newtown cafe Khamsa in late 2023, after her lease expired, there was an outcry of heartbreak from locals. More so than she was expecting. So when a new space became available in St Peters, she jumped in. But this week Shaweesh announced Khamsa 2.0 would be closing for real this time. The final service will be Sunday January 19.

“It’s definitely a bittersweet moment,” Shaweesh tells Broadsheet. “On one hand, I’m proud of what we built with Khamsa and how it became a pro-Palestine community hub for so many. On the other, it’s hard to say goodbye to something so close to my heart.”

After eight years of operating Khamsa, she was unable to reach an agreement with her landlord, who reportedly wanted to up the rent by 50 per cent. “It came down to realising it was time for a shift. We’d always aimed to create something that went beyond food – a space where people could connect. But over time, the challenges became too significant to navigate. I feel that this is the right moment to step back and reassess the next chapter of our journey.”

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The eatery was treasured for its crunchy, bright-green falafels; the hearty makloubeh; and its daily-smoked eggplants, powering the baba ganoush that hits the Jerusalem bowl, a mix of pomegranate, lentils, rice and cauliflower one ex-Broadsheet editor picked as the best thing they ate in 2023.

But Khamsa is known for more than all that. It’s a community hub, and a place to honour a culture through food. “It was about creating a safe space where people could gather, celebrate Palestinian culture, share stories and build community. We all have this enormous love for Palestine and longing for the freedom of our people at the core of every friendship we have built and cherished over the years.

“To our community, thank you for your love and support. You turned Khamsa into a gathering place, a source of connection and a beacon of Palestinian culture.”

It’s no secret the hospitality sector is under enormous pressure, with a collection of storied venues calling final service recently. And there’s no doubt ever-rising rents are a significant contributor. Shaweesh hopes there’ll be more top-down support soon. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet they often face so many barriers – whether it’s rising costs, changing regulations, or limited access to resources. I think a more proactive support is needed, especially in terms of financial assistance, tax relief and affordable rental options ... it’s about giving small businesses the tools to thrive, not just survive.”

While there are still a few days for you to visit the inner-west eatery, Shaweesh hints at there being more to come – across state lines. After relocating to Melbourne, she’ll starting a new project there soon. Watch this space.

Khamsa’s final service will be Sunday January 19, 2025.

@khamsaeatery