On Friday 3 November, Love Tilly Group announced its split from Public Hospitality, resulting in the immediate closure of one venue and changes to two others.
By ending the partnership, Love Tilly closed the doors to the popular Balmain eatery Fabbrica Pasta Bar, located inside Public’s venue The Exchange Hotel in Redfern, with immediate effect.
In September this year, Public Hospitality had announced plans to house Fabbrica in The Empire Hotel in Annandale, which is set to relaunch later this year as The Federal. With the news of the split, Love Tilly has confirmed that the plan will no longer go ahead, with Public yet to announce what concept will replace Fabbrica.
“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,” said Love Tilly Group Managing Director Matt Swieboda in a statement.
In addition to the closing of Fabbrica Balmain, La Salut, the eatery and wine bar operating within the Norfolk Hotel, will now continue under the ownership of Public.
A spokesperson for Public Hospitality provided the following statement: “Public is disappointed to have been informed on Friday last week 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.”