Saltine co-owners Mat Appleton and Jess Blackstone have confirmed that their Highbury neighbourhood restaurant and bar will close in less than two weeks. The pair – who also own popular north London cafe group Fink’s – announced the news in a statement, citing the struggle that small restaurants currently face.
“After two beautiful years, we’re sad to announce we’re closing Saltine,” they said. “The climate for small restaurants is a tough one – tougher than Covid – and though we would love for the Saltine story to be a longer one, this was not our time.”
In its two-year tenure on Highbury Park, Saltine cemented its status as a beloved casual restaurant serving smart seasonal plates, thanks to chef Phil Wood (ex-St John Marylebone and Spring).
Despite this closure, Appleton and Blackstone continue to expand their Fink’s cafes, recently taking over the Grade-II listed Clissold House in Stoke Newington.
Saltine’s last day of service will be on December 21, but the owners confirmed that they’ll keep the space open for parties and events for the time being, “while getting stuck into some other exciting projects within the business”.
“We’re so proud of what we’ve built in that former chicken shop, and we hope you’ve lived it as much as we’ve loved it,” they said. “What a wild ride!”
Saltine will close on December 21.
