A decade after opening on Hackney Road, Morito has closed. The north African- and Spanish-influenced tapas bar and restaurant was the sequel to Morito on Exmouth Market – which was itself the “rebellious little sister” of Moorish institution Moro, both of which remain open. Over its 10 years of operation, the buzzy restaurant played a key role in enhancing the city’s tapas scene and reviving the reputation of sherry.
Chef-owners Sam and Sam Clark announced the closure on Instagram yesterday, June 16, and confirmed Morito’s last service was this past Sunday June 14. “It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has been facing sustained and significant challenges,” they wrote. “Like many others, our Hackney location has been increasingly affected, despite our best efforts.”
The closure is the latest in a string of popular restaurants calling it a day, including Highbury laksa joint Sambal Shiok, which had its last service a couple of weeks ago. Business owners cite high VAT (20 per cent for hospitality in the UK, which is almost double the European average of 12.8 per cent) and rising costs of everything from food to rents, among other issues.
Despite the closure, the Clarks celebrated Morito’s 10-year run. “This has not been an easy decision,” they wrote on Instagram. “What we’ve built goes far beyond a restaurant – it’s been a home for our team, a place of connection for our guests and a space filled with energy, creativity and generosity every day. There is so much to celebrate: our incredible staff, our loyal customers, the friendships formed, dishes shared and memories created. We are incredibly proud of what Morito Hackney Road has been, and deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of its story.”
In happier news, Moro on Exmouth Market remains open and is celebrating 30 years of operation next year with a series of Sunday lunches throughout 2026.
