Ex-MasterChef contestant Jamie Fleming’s Brisbane CBD venue Alba Bar and Deli suddenly closes

A beloved restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD has abruptly closed its doors just days after it was named Queensland’s best bar, in the state’s latest hospitality venue to fold.

Alba Bar & Deli owner Jamie Fleming at his Burnett Lane venue in Brisbane. Picture: Facebook

Yet another popular Brisbane CBD hospitality venue has made the “heart wrenching” decision to shut its doors.

Burnett Lane venue Alba Bar and Deli, operated by former MasterChef contestant Jamie Fleming, announced on Instagram that Saturday night would be its last night of trade.

The “Brooklyn meets Barcelona” venue, which opened in 2019 just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit, took to Instagram to announce its closure.

“Unfortunately economic pressures as well as having terrible timing with opening (you know what we mean) means we have had to make this heart wrenching decision,” Alba posted.

“We are a small team and always tried to offer the best quality service and produce. “Unfortunately with prices of everything going up and little support, there is unfortunately only one clear end.”

Mr Fleming appeared in Season 6 of MasterChef in 2014 and also worked as a brand ambassador for alcoholic drinks giant Diageo before opening Alba.

Alba’s closure came only days after it was named Queensland’s best bar by hospitality website Boothby

Alba Bar & Deli in Burnett Lane, Brisbane, has announced it will close. Photo: Facebook.

“We would like to say thank you to everyone that has helped bring Alba to life. From the team members, suppliers, friends and anyone who came through the door, you have helped bring something amazing to life,” Alba’s post read.

“A special thank you goes out to the hospitality industry at large. We have always had huge support from those we respect and love the most, our peers. Without your support, Alba would have been another statistic and instead, we have been given the opportunity to swing for the fences and continue to hit the mark.

“To have so many people come through our doors and buy into our concept has been overwhelming, culminating in this most recent Bartender Weekender (event).

“It has truly been our pleasure serving, feeding, laughing and dancing with every single one of you. Whether we are a bar you eat well at, or a restaurant you get lit at we still don’t know.

Alba Bar & Deli in Burnett Lane, Brisbane, has announced it will close. Photo: Facebook.

“What we do know is we are Alba and we have never been anything else. This won’t be the last you see of us. Promise.

“See you tonight and tomorrow for one last hurrah. There will be jamon (dry-cured ham), there will be hip hip and there will most definitely be jerez (Spanish sherry).

“Peace out.”

Alba is the latest in a string of Brisbane bars and restaurants to close as cost-of-living pressures bite.

Others venues which have closed or announced their closure recently include The Matriarch in Newstead, King Crab Co at Bulimba and NOTA Restaurant and Wine Bar in Paddington.

Award-winning chef Shannon Kellam’s BCN Events Group was placed in liquidation last month and its operations including cafe and patisserie Mica in Newstead, Mica Express in Brisbane’s CBD and King St Bakery in Bowen Hills are being wound down.