Toptable Group has announced that award-winning West Restaurant + Bar will close at year end. It will not be renewing its lease.

It’s by no means official. But I’ll hazard a pretty good guess that the cost of the new lease didn’t make sense to continue. The building is also possibly slated for development.

The closing of West marks the end of an era which very much helped define Vancouver’s culinary scene. You can read more here, in my recent post.

Over the years, West has produced some stellar people, including the present team.

From the release:

“West has been so honoured to play such an integral role in the city’s vibrant restaurant community,” said Michael Doyle, President, Toptable Group. “Home to so much talent over the years including David Hawksworth, Thierry Busset, and Sabrine Dhaliwal – just to name a few – we are proud of, and grateful to, all of the amazing men and women who have contributed to our success including being named Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year.”

From now until the end of December 2019, West plans to host a line-up of collaborative alumni dinners with Executive Chef Bobby Milheron and Restaurant Director Owen Knowlton to celebrate many of the spectacular menus that have been crafted for this room over its time. Watch for updates via West’s social media regarding special guest appearances and events.

We would also like to thank Founder, Jack Evrensel and all of the alumni such as Quang Dang (Executive Chef), Warren Geraghty (Executive Chef), David Gunawan (Chef de Cuisine), Rhonda Viani (Pastry Chef), Brian Hopkins (Restaurant Director), David Wolowidnyk (Bar Manager), and many more for their contribution to the restaurant’s accomplishments.