Locals gutted as popular restaurant closes after 35 years leaving owner heartbroken

A popular restaurant adored by TV royalty has closed for good, with the owner saying shuttering the businesses "breaks my heart". The Gardenia had been a fixture of Cambridge city centre for decades and was affectionately known as "Gardis" or "Gardies".

It's said to have been loved by British comedy legend Stephen Fry and former Cabinet Minister turned TV presenter Michael Portillo, who signed a petition to save the Greek kebab shop from closure back in 2004 when it was under previous owners, BBC News reports. The establishment was also regularly frequented by countless Cambridge alumni and locals.

Daisy Cox attended the prestigious university and lived above The Gardenia for a year. Describing the news of its closure as a "tragedy", she told the outlet that the eatery was a "hub of student interaction - a wonderful place where people came together - especially after club nights when you could get your photo taken and put up on the wall".

"People of all generations knew about it. My uncle who went to Cambridge 20 years ago told me stories about it. It's really sad it has gone," she added.

But last weekend, Gonville & Caius College the Cambridge college that own the building confirmed that the business has closed permanently.

In a statement provided by Gonville and Caius College, a spokesperson said: "The Gardenia Restaurant closed in June after 35 years of trading in central Cambridge. There will be no new occupants until at least late 2026.

"A building survey has determined that the premises must close for around one year for extensive repairs and refurbishment."

It's not known exactly why the restaurant closed, but what is clear is that it'll be sorely missed. The most recent owner Greta Saikovskaja hopes it will return somewhere down the line.

"It breaks my heart," she said as per Cambridgeshire Live.

"I really appreciate all the support and love from everyone that has been there. Students, I will miss you and our lovely nights together," Ms Saikovskaja added.

"I hope that one day, the Gardenia will be reborn."