Sydney’s Fabbrica Pasta Bar in Balmain has abruptly closed in the wake of a business split between Love Tilly Group and Public Hospitality. Meanwhile, Redfern’s La Salut — a Spanish wine bar within The Norfolk Hotel — will continue to stay open, but no longer under the direction of the Love Tilly Group. As of today, it is run by Public Hospitality.
The split also means the forthcoming Fabbrica Pasta Bar set to open inside The Federal (another Public Hospitality venue) will no longer go ahead. The Love Tilly Group confirmed that there are still plans to open more Fabbrica Pasta Bars, independently — with some sites to be announced as soon as next week.
“It’s a devastatingly difficult decision for us to make,” says Love Tilly Group managing director Matthew Swieboda in a statement. “But for the benefit of the staff and the suppliers, we can no longer, in good faith, continue to run our venues together with Public Hospitality.”
When asked for comment in relation to Public Hospitality’s reported finances, Love Tilly Group declined to comment.
Public Hospitality responded with the following: “Public is disappointed to have been informed today that Love Tilly Group has decided to end the commercial relationship. While there have been disputed commercial matters, Public understood these to be progressing. Public thank Love Tilly Group for their contribution and wish them well in future endeavours. Consistent with Public’s strategy of owning and operating strong hospitality brands, Public purchased the La Salut brand in 2022 and will continue to operate at The Norfolk in Redfern, including offering employment for existing staff.”
Fabbrica Pasta Bar Balmain is now closed. La Salut in Redfern is still open, now operating under Public Hospitality.
