Old Young’s Kitchen owner James Young closes restaurant to focus on becoming ‘world-class distillery’

The owner of the renowned Old Young’s Kitchen has revealed the reason behind the restaurant’s sudden closure after his unexpected announcement on Wednesday.

James Young opened the Swan Valley restaurant three and a half years ago, and in such a short time it has become beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Known for it’s in-house alcohol, extravagant cocktails and a menu filled with locally sourced produce, customers were shocked to hear the restaurant will be shutting its doors next month.

Owner Mr Young said at its core, the business is a distillery with a restaurant, not visa versa, and the closure will allow him to focus more on the distillery.

“We are so proud of everything we have achieved at Old Young’s Kitchen since opening in the heart of COVID back in December 2021,” he said.

“This decision was obviously a big call for us, and while we are incredibly proud of the success of the business to date, we decided to go out on a high.

“Running a top-quality hospitality business takes a laser focus that we want and need to apply to building a world-class distillery”

While the restaurant opened just a few years ago, Old Young’s Distillery has been operating since 2016 and has flourished, picking up two global recognition of Craft Producer and Brand Innovator of the year in 2023 at the Icons of Gin awards.

The laser focus requirement of running a restaurant became too much for the team, who are now dialling it back to put all their efforts in their world renowned gin.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with us over this time propelling us to 2 stars and a nomination for WA Restaurant of the Year from the WA Good Food Guide and a listing in the Top 10 Regional Restaurants in Australia,” Mr Young said.

“Our head chefs, Rohan Park and Paul Greenham and their kitchen teams have served up stunning food, our front of house staff have elevated the level of hospitality in the Valley and I’d also like to single out our head bartender, Pat Torres who has been the genius behind our cocktail lists.

“A restaurant is nothing without customers and we would like to thank the over 90,000 people who has come through the door and been brave enough to try crocodile chorizo, emu pastrami or kangaroo tartare, while sipping on a Swan Valley wine, beer or an Old Young’s cocktail.

“While we know our customers will be sad to hear our regular service will be finishing up in six weeks, we are hoping to welcome as many of them as possible back for a final lunch and cocktail or two.”

Although it’s not a final goodbye for the venue shrouded in vines, as they will still host booked functions and planned weddings going forward.