Beloved Wellington Café Closes for Good After Property Deal

The popular Chocolate Fish Café in Wellington is set to close its doors for the final time on December 31, 2023, after being forced to vacate by a property company owned by filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson. The café, a cherished institution in Miramar since its establishment in 1997, has been a community hub, known for its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly space.

Located at Shelly Bay, the café has attracted a diverse clientele, from local residents to tourists drawn specifically to its offerings. Owners John and Penny Pennington expressed their emotional attachment to the establishment, with John describing it as a place where they enjoyed seeing friends and family each day. “We love coming to work every day because it’s like coming and seeing your friends, your whanau, and it’s just wonderful,” Penny stated.

Closure Causes and Community Impact

The closure is a result of a property acquisition by Sir Peter Jackson and his partner, Dame Fran Walsh, in 2023. Following years of uncertainty at Shelly Bay, including a failed housing development and a fire that damaged the historic Sawtooth building, the café was optimistic about its future under new ownership. “Everything was tracking so positively for us being able to continue on,” Penny remarked. “To have that suddenly wiped out, that’s been a very bitter pill,” John added.

In September, WingNut PM, the property division of Jackson and Walsh’s WingNut Group, notified the Penningtons that their lease would be terminated. While the couple initially criticized the decision, they later softened their stance. WingNut PM indicated that the café owners had been informed of the substantial renovations required for the property, which included roof repairs and historical restorations.

“We’re more than a café; we’re a bit of an institution,” John said, reflecting on their role in the community.

Final Days and Future Prospects

As the café approaches its last day of operation, it has transformed into a makeshift garage sale, with items such as chairs, tables, and cutlery for sale. “Because we’ve been terminated and don’t have anything to sell, and of course we’ve got a bit of debt, we decided to turn January, our last month of trading, into a garage sale,” John explained. The café closed its kitchen in late December, leading John to describe the situation as somewhat relieving, despite the disappointment of customers hoping to enjoy one last meal.

The Penningtons have explored various options for reopening in a new location but have yet to find a space that matches the size and spirit of the Chocolate Fish Café. “I don’t see a Chocolate Fish to this degree ever happening again, sadly – it’s a huge space,” Penny noted.

As their final message to customers, the Penningtons expressed gratitude for the support they received over the years, stating, “We’ve loved having you.” The closure of this beloved café marks the end of an era for the community, leaving a significant void in the local landscape.

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