Aubergine in Griffith set to close its doors, last day of trading October 2022

Aubergine announced via its Instagram on Wednesday that after 14 years, the Griffith restaurant will be closing its doors on October 1.

"Simply put, the time has come for us to move on (although there are no plans yet to move on to)," the post read.

"We are really happy to be able to make this decision on our terms at the right time for us. We have had a great run and we have enjoyed a ton of success and we'll always look back at the many good times that have been had within our walls with a positive sense of accomplishment.

"Over the years we have been fortunate to work alongside many amazing staff that have helped us create the beautiful restaurant that it is and we are so proud of all that we achieved together. We have also been helped by fantastic producers, growers and suppliers."

For owner and chef, Ben Willis the decision was a positive one. Not because he was desperate to say goodbye to Aubergine, but because he was able to make the decision without any impending factors.

Since making the announcement, he said while he had many people reach out to ask if everything was OK, Willis assured everyone it was simply that the time had come.

"It's probably been coming for a little while," he said.

"Fourteen years of creating special memories for people is great, but eventually the time has to come.

"It's not something you just turn on when you walk into work and then turn off again. You've got to be in touch with everything all the time and, it's something that I've said in the past, but you never really get to rest from the restaurant life at these levels.

"I've got two kids who are getting older - an eight-year-old and a three-year-old - so it's just time."

But fear not, Aubergine fans. This is not the end of Willis' career in hospitality. Nor is it the end of his time in Canberra.

Although what Willis will do post October 1 is still a mystery - even to the man himself. He's hoping that after a well-earned break, his mind will be free enough to think about what the next step will be.

For now though, all of the focus is on the last few months of business, with regulars already rushing to make sure they get at least on more meal in at Aubergine.

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"The bookings have gone up in the second half of that period of people wanting to come in closer to the finale," Willis said.

"There's been lots of people trying to scramble their dates and availability, and a lot of regulars who have anniversaries with us every year who are booking in and things like that."

Since it opened, Aubergine has picked up a slew of awards - most recently taking out top spot for ACT restaurants in the Australian Good Food Guide's Chef Hat Awards. It is also the city's only two-hatted restaurant placing it at the top of Canberra's fine-dining hierarchy.

But the restaurant's success is not surprising. For Willis, it's always been about plating up good food.

"I'm a flavour first person, I think the food has to taste well and be balanced," he said previously.

For those who want one last taste of Aubergine, bookings are open online. For those with a gift voucher, Aubergine will be in touch.

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