In a blow for Brisbane’s dining scene, Frank van Haandel, owner of Stokehouse Q, announced yesterday that he has made the difficult decision to sell his beloved riverside restaurant in South Bank, citing ongoing border closures that could stretch into next year and pandemic-related issues as the driving force behind his decision. With much of the Van Haandel Group’s senior management team based in Victoria (where the group operates Stokehouse and Pontoon at St Kilda Beach), support for its Queensland outpost (which has been shut since March) was proving increasingly difficult to provide.
Although the news puts a dampener on the city’s recent hospitality reopening period, a silver lining has emerged with the news that Sydney’s Fink Group would be moving its hatted inner-city restaurant OTTO Brisbane to Stokehouse Q’s waterfront space in early 2021. In a statement to media, Fink creative director John Fink said, “The Sidon Street South Bank location has stunning waterfront and city views, it has event and private dining capabilities, close proximity to Brisbane’s art precinct. There is an intuitive and natural synergy between this new riverside home for OTTO Brisbane and its iconic sister restaurant on Sydney Harbour. We are very appreciative of the Van Haandel group’s confidence in entrusting us with this beautiful location and are looking forward to welcoming their loyal guests, along with our dedicated regular diners.” OTTO Brisbane will remain at its current 480 Queen location until the end of 2020.
UPDATE: In a follow-up statement posted to Stokehouse Q’s website, the restaurant team has announced that those holding Stokehouse Q gift vouchers valid as of March 1 2020 will have an additional 12 months automatically added to the expiry date. Voucher holders can redeem them at OTTO Brisbane through until June 30 2021 and at Stokehouse St Kilda through until the updated expiry date, or can be exchanged for Stokehouse St Kilda vouchers. Those unable to make use of the new vouchers can apply for a refund with proof of purchase. Voucher enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Image: Stokehouse Q
