Cambridge’s famous Greek takeaway, The Gardenia Restaurant, better known as Gardies, has officially closed.

In June, Varsity reported that the kebab shop was facing dissolution, after failing to provide up-to-date accounts to Company House.

Gardies has been shut since May, but today its landlord – Gonville and Caius College – confirmed the shop had permanently closed. The exact reason is not yet clear.

The College stated: “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.”

Gardies’ owner added: “I want to thank the local community, the student community, and the worldwide Cambridge community for all the support.”

Established in 1949, the restaurant on Rose Crescent was known for its late-night snacks, and “wall of fame” featuring photos of its customers.

The store shared a video compilation of these photos to Facebook, alongside the caption: “Thank you so much to everyone. Time to say ‘Bye Bye’. I can’t express my love for you all. Let’s all remember the good days xxx.”

“I’m gutted that Gardies has shut,” reacted one third-year student, “I have many fond memories of going there with friends and always ordering the chips with chili and tzatziki. Gardies was always reliable and the best place to go after a night out, or even if you felt hungry in the late afternoon.”

Another student commented: “Gardies closing is a massive loss for Cambridge and its nightlife. It breaks my heart to know that the incoming generation of freshers will never get to experience a late night pitta and chips on their way back to college.”

In 2004, Varsity successfully led a campaign to keep the shop open, after Caius announced plans to turn the building into student accommodation.

Then Varsity Editor Archie Bland told the BBC: “We are delighted that Gardies has been saved and we think it is a great day for students at the university and that our campaigning was such a resounding success.”

Campaigners claimed that 8,000 people – including Stephen Fry and Michael Portillo – had signed a petition to keep the establishment going.

At the time, owner Vassilus Anastasiou said: “It’s great news.There was a lot of support from the students and the local community and as far as I’m concerned local opinion won this time, which isn’t always the case. I’m overwhelmed with the interest from people; there’s been so much support.”