On Friday, November 3, the Love Tilly Group announced its split from Public Hospitality, resulting in the immediate closure of one venue and changes to two others.
The end of the partnership has seen Love Tilly close the doors to popular Balmain venue Fabbrica Pasta Bar, located in Public’s venue The Exchange Hotel in Redfern, with immediate effect.
In September this year, Public Hospitality announced plans to relocate Fabbrica to The Empire Hotel in Annandale, which is set to relaunch as The Federal later this year. With the news of the split, Love Tilly has confirmed that the plan will no longer go ahead, with Public yet to announce which concept will replace Fabbrica.
“For the sake of our staff and suppliers, we can no longer in good faith continue to operate our venues with Public Hospitality,” Love Tilly group managing director Matt Swieboda said in a statement.
In addition to the closure of Fabbrica Balmain, La Salut, the restaurant and wine bar in the Norfolk Hotel, will now continue under Public’s ownership.
A spokesperson for Public Hospitality issued the following statement: “Public is disappointed to have been informed on Friday last week that the Love Tilly Group has decided to end the commercial relationship. Whilst there were commercial matters in dispute, Public understood that these were progressing.
“Public thanks Love Tilly Group for their contribution and wishes them well in their future endeavors. In line with Public’s strategy of owning and operating strong hospitality brands, Public purchased the La Salut brand in 2022 and will continue to operate from The Norfolk in Redfern, including offering employment to existing staff.”
