Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Instagram
Dorian in Dublin 4 will close its doors for the last time because of the cost of living crisis.
Dorian was a wine-oriented restaurant that opened in 2021. Tucked just off Donnybrook Road, in the former Roy Fox greengrocer’s, they barely lasted a year despite being in a supportive neighbourhood.
Their wine list had some excellent producers and was infamous for its Dom Pérignon by the glass at €44. Dorian’s menu included winebar staples such as olives, charcuterie, cheese boards, and small plates — but also some larger, more ambitious dishes that wandered into classic restaurant territory.
In an Instagram post, they revealed their intent to close, saying, “Sadly, with the devastating rising costs, matched with the increasing struggles of running a restaurant in these times, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the restaurant for the foreseeable future”.
The announcement comes in the wake of recent news that JP McMahon’s TarTar is closing. Making this the second wine bar to close in as many months, which could mark the beginning of a worrying trend.
Reflecting on their time in Donnybrook, they said, “We are profoundly grateful for the dedication of our staff and thank the community & regular customers for its patronage over the short period we were open. Alas, hopefully, we will meet again, in happier and more stable times & toast a drink once again”.
It is with a heavy heart that we will be closing Dorian’s doors for the last time. Sadly, with the devastating rising costs, matched with the increasing struggles of running a restaurant in these times, we have had to make the difficult decision to close the restaurant for the1/2 pic.twitter.com/Oe75QT7b5i
— DorianDublin (@DorianDublinD4) September 20, 2022
With climate change pushing up the cost of wine, the energy crisis worsening, and the general cost of living going through the roof this is not the last closure I expect for this year.
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