In an emotional video posted to Instagram, the Ireland-born couple said that both they and the business had taken a major financial hit over the last six months and were now unable to re-open their debut London restaurant or the adjoining Counter Culture.
Opened in 2013, The Dairy was a cult hit and an early proponent of a more laid-back, rustic and affordable approach to fine dining, offering a tasting menu for around £45.
It was a favourite of off-duty restaurant workers - including a number of top chefs - and at one point ran an infamous industry-only suppler club that saw a guest chef serve up a meal between 1am and 7am in the morning.
The Dairy was a smash hit with the critics too, attracting rave reviews across the board. It was also a regular on Restaurant’s list of the top 100 places to eat in the UK.
“Looking back at our time in The Dairy we were so welcomed into the community and have made some dear fiends along the way who are still dear friends today,” says Sarah. “Robin and I were overwhelmed when we first opened. We always saw ourselves as the underdogs and the industry really got behind us and believed in us. That has helped us get to where we are today and I want to thank you all for that.”
“There was a certain energy that was there right from the get go,” says Robin, whose cooking CV includes Noma and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. “I want to thank everyone that was involved and everyone that made that place so special. You all know who you are and you are all part of the DNA of The Dairy. It’s not gone in my mind, we will be back.”
The couple still have a significant presence in the area with both Sorella - an Italian restaurant moments from The Dairy - and their more recently opened NYC-inspired Darby’s continuing to trade.
Gill now also oversees the food in a number of high profile hotels including the Great Scotland Yard in Westminster and Birch in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire.
Head here to read Restaurant magazine's 2015 cover feature on The Dairy.