In the past 12 months we have seen two of the city’s best-loved venues close their doors.

Eighteen 70 Bar & Dining Room in March Street was a popular location for birthday lunches, corporate events and business meetings yet sadly it closed its doors last year.

Similarly the popular Union Bank Wine Bar also stopped operating much to the lament of those who enjoyed its summer courtyard lunches and locally-sourced meals eaten by its cosy fireplace in winter.

It’s been sad to see these businesses close and many visitors and locals alike miss their great food and friendly staff.

Last week we were reminded just how tough the industry can be with announcement that Orange’s La Porchetta Italian restaurant has been shut down after the owners of the Peisley Street building took possession of the site.

Last Friday a notice was placed in a front window under a closed sign stating: “these premises have been taken possession of by the landlord”.

The only upside to the closure is that fresh and frozen food was removed from the building and donated to a charity.

La Porchetta management confirmed the closure lamenting the state of affairs and hinting that it hoped to make an announcement about the eatery’s future.

The restaurant had opened 18 months ago after another La Porchetta restaurant, with different management, closed in Orange several years ago.

It’s not easy managing an eatery in a city where people expect the very best food and wine on offer … there’s no room for missteps.

If you look around the city you will see there are several hospitality business, from fine dining to pubs and bars, which have been operating successfully for many years and they should be congratulated.

In the end, if you’re after longevity in this city, good food and competent service isn’t all that’s needed to run a good business.

While we all lament the closure of some of our favourite restaurants and venues, we can only look forward to new openings and welcome the new entrepreneurs brave enough to tackle what must be one of the toughest industries around.