Matterhorn has been such a feature of Wellington's cafe and bar scene that news of its impending closure has brought back many memories.

It was first established in Cuba St in 1963 by two Swiss brothers, as one of New Zealand's first purpose-built cafes.

Two more families put their spin on the central Wellington establishment, but it was in on Bastille Day in 1997 that Matterhorn was reintroduced to the capital as a 40-seat lounge bar.

STUFF Matterhorn doorman/bouncer Brian Morris in 2010.

Fittingly, it was the same day in history that Edward Whymper became the first climber to conquer its namesake in the Swiss Alps.

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New owners Leon Surynt, Sam Chapman, Christian McCabe and Adan Tijerina enhanced the treasured local haunt, and by 2008, along with chef Sean Marshall, it was named Cuisine's restaurant of the year.

SUPPLIED Matterhorn, in one form or another, has called Cuba St home for 54 years.

Errol Macdonald, of Levin, said he would remember it as the location at which his family grew a little bit more. "My son had just arrived with his Australian girlfriend ... as we were passing the entrance to the restaurant they announced they had got engaged the previous evening.

"I don't think I have had sparkling wine for lunch, before or since."

The family was now even bigger, with "three lovely Australian grandchildren".

1 of 5 SUPPLIED Elijah Wood, the Hollywood actor and star of Lord of the Rings, celebrated his 21st birthday at the Matterhorn in 2002. Seen here with one-time Matterhorn bartender Jacob Briars - the man responsible for Matterhorn's signature cocktail The Falling Water. 2 of 5 SUPPLIED The Matterhorn has regularly won awards for its food and beverage - in 2012 it took home four accolades at the Capital Awards. 3 of 5 SUPPLIED Sean Marshall, owner and operator of Matterhorn, is planning a huge celebration over the next three months. "We need to go out in true Matterhorn style." 4 of 5 The Matterhorn Live music has been one of the many features of the Matterhorn's charm. British folk-rock band Mumford and Sons delighted an audience with an impromptu gig in 2012. 5 of 5 SUPPLIED Its outdoor dining is hugely popular with punters.

Lucy Hempseed would always sit out in the smoky courtyard, including on one occasion in the early 2000s when Shihad​ lead singer Jon Toogood was there, too.

"One of the blokes next to us told his friend had 'just brought me the new Jack Johnson album', to which both Toogood and I leaned in on this table and said at the same time, 'That is obviously not a true friend'.

"We all cracked up. Oh, how we laughed."

PETER BUSH Stars of the entertainment world who have graced Matterhorn over the years include the great jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, second left. With him at the bar in 1964 are singer Trini Lopez, then American ambassador's wife Beryll Powell, Armstrong's wife Lucile, and American ambassador General Herbert B Powell.

Richard Bell remembers crying in the Matterhorn in 1966 at just six years old.

"I can remember going there with my mum and grandmother after seeing Born Free at the pictures.



"I was still crying from the movie."

Live music helped Matterhorn stay ahead of the trend, many Wellington acts, including Fat Freddy's Drop, cut their teeth at the central city locale.

Wellington-born singer/songwriter Adi Dick credits Matterhorn as the venue that made him a professional musician.

"It was there I was inspired by the melting pot of live jams, openness, and overall communal spirit of Wellington musicians. The Matterhorn has been an integral part of my journey ever since."

New Zealand Samoan recording artist Ladi6 said: "[It] is historical. It was one of my first drinking spots as a young musician coming up in Wellington.

"It's a live venue that has been around forever and every musician from that area has in their heart."