Sydney hospitality group Merivale has today announced the closure of Sydney favourite Bistrode CBD following the tragic death of executive chef Jeremy Strode.

The Bistrode CBD chef was a long-term member of Merivale group, and inspired many over the course of his 27-year career in the kitchen.

Beginning at the age of 14 washing dishes in his native England, Jeremy soon rose the ranks to work at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, including La Tante Claire under the tutelage of Pierre Koffmann. After a move to Melbourne in 1992, Jeremy became head chef at the George Hotel before opening his own eatery, Pomme, for which he partnered with Christopher Young.

But it was really his opening of Bistrode in Sydney that Jeremy became most renowned. In 2005, Jeremy opened the restaurant in a century-old butcher’s shop in Surry Hills with his pastry chef and wife Jane.

After several years in the original space, Bistrode moved to the city as part of a new partnership with Merivale. It was there that Bistrode CBD was born, as well as a strong partnership between the chef and Merivale that lasted many years and went on to welcome a second venture, The Fish Shop.

“Bistrode has, and always will be, Jeremy and Jane’s restaurant – it was the product of their exceptional talent, passion and partnership. I will forever be grateful for what they contributed to Merivale. We miss him every day,” Justin Hemmes said.

Bistrode CBD is set to close its doors on September 30.