Overview
Since July 2022, Brisbane has boasted something that no other Australian city has: Butler Wine Bar, the first vino-pouring venue from New York Times-approved bakery Lune Croissanterie. But if you haven't stopped by the intimate 30-seater already, you've missed your chance, with the watering hole making the shock announcement via social media that it has already closed its doors.
Butler wasn't a pop-up, but a permanent venue. Still, Lune's Kate Reid, Nathan Toleman and Cameron Reid have decided to bring it to an end.
"We regret to inform you that Butler Wine Bar has made the difficult decision to close. Our final service was Wednesday 1st March," the venue's team announced on Instagram on Friday, March 3.
"We have been so grateful for the relationships with our guests, suppliers and the exceptional hospitality community in Brisbane. We've hosted a few amazing parties, drank an incredible amount of beautiful wine and crafted dishes that will remain in our memories. We very much hope they stay in yours, too," the statement continues.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone who played their part or came in Butler Wine Bar. Butler could not have been what it was without your support and loyalty."
Butler was one of Brisbane's best new bar openings of 2022, and its closure comes just days after the intimate neighbourhood bar hosted a party with its sibling Lune, pairing pastries with wine.
During its eight-month run, the venue heroed premium drops and sips from sustainable producers, particularly focusing on vinos from close to home, and served bites such as prawn tartare, mushroom tarts and chicken liver parfait. Nestled into a long, cosy space designed by Hogg & Lamb — who also did the honours with Lune Brisbane — it also poured beers, spirits and cocktails, including miso caramel old fashioneds and pumpkin highballs.
Lune still operates its South Brisbane bakery, plus a CBD outpost in Burnett Lane that also opened its doors in July 2022.
The news of Butler's closure comes just a day after Three Blue Ducks announced that it is closing its W Brisbane restaurant; however, shutting after five years of operation, it'll keep serving diners until the end of May.
Butler Wine Bar closed at 15 Manning Street, South Brisbane, next to Lune, on Wednesday, March 1.