MasterChef NZ judge's Madam Woo closes

Christchurch restaurant Madam Woo, co-founded by celebrity chef and MasterChef NZ judge Josh Emmett, will shut permanently as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Eight staff are set to lose their jobs due to the closure at the St Asaph St restaurant, known for serving Malaysian inspired cuisine.

Madam Woo is owned by Go To Collection. Its chief executive and co-founder Fleur Caulton said the Christchurch restaurant had been struggling prior to the virus hitting New Zealand shores.

Because of previous challenges, the Covid-19 crisis was the final blow to the business and it was a "difficult" decision to close its doors for good.

In January, Madam Woo in Christchurch was also at the centre of a Hepatitis A scare, in which more than 100 patrons were vaccinated after a chef with the disease prepared food at the restaurant.