One of the Hunter Valley's most celebrated dining establishments has announced it will serve its final meals in January 2025, marking the end of an era for fire-driven cuisine in the region.
End of an Era for Hunter Valley Dining
After seven and a half years of operation, Yellow Billy Restaurant at Piggs Peake Winery will permanently close its doors in January. Head chef and owner Sam Alexander made the emotional announcement today, describing the decision as coming with mixed feelings after weeks of careful consideration.
"I've had the restaurant for seven-and-a-half years now, and all good things come to an end, unfortunately," Alexander told local media.
The acclaimed chef explained that while the restaurant has been a labour of love, recent challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires, floods, and even a mouse plague have taken their toll. "Trade's been really hard this year and we've been trying to do our best," he admitted.
A Legacy of Fire-Driven Excellence
Yellow Billy Restaurant leaves behind an impressive legacy in the Australian culinary landscape. Alexander proudly noted that the establishment was the first true fire-driven restaurant in the Hunter Region, pioneering cooking techniques that have since been widely adopted.
"Our food's always been fire-driven; all our dishes have been kissed by flame in some way or another, or sourced from our on-site garden," Alexander explained.
The restaurant's commitment to quality extended to its extensive kitchen garden, which at its peak supplied 45 percent of the produce used in the kitchen. This farm-to-table approach became a hallmark of the Yellow Billy experience.
The restaurant's excellence was formally recognised with consecutive chef's hats in 2023 and 2024, along with three-glass wine ratings every year from 2021 through 2025.
Final Celebration and Future Plans
Rather than a sombre farewell, Alexander hopes the restaurant's final weeks will become a celebration of its achievements. "We've created some beautiful memories for a lot of people - weddings, functions, events - and I'm choosing to look at all the positive things we've achieved over the years," he said.
The chef is encouraging patrons to visit one last time, including those holding gift cards. "Come in and use them, bring your friends and family, come in and have a good time, celebrate with us," he urged.
The final menu will feature returning classics and old favourites, with several special events planned for January. Alexander expressed gratitude to Piggs Peake Winery owners Bruce and Tony for their unwavering support throughout the restaurant's journey.
"I want to do the right thing by everybody - suppliers, clientele - because they've done the right thing by me," Alexander affirmed, demonstrating the strong community relationships built over nearly eight years of operation.
The closure decision was ultimately driven by personal health considerations rather than business performance. "My decision has got nothing to do with any negatives, I've just come to the conclusion that I need to make this decision in the interests of my health," Alexander explained.
