Qld’s best chefs to launch new secret hidden restaurant, Pneuma

Two of Queensland’s best and most respected chefs are teaming up for a unique hidden restaurant in the heart of Brisbane that is sure to shake up the city’s food scene. Here’s where to find it.

Two of Queensland’s best chefs are teaming up to launch a unique hidden restaurant in the heart of Brisbane.

Dan Arnold from award-winning Restaurant Dan Arnold in Fortitude Valley and Matt Blackwell formerly of the highly coveted GOMA restaurant are set to open Pneuma in the CBD – concealed from view off George St and only accessed through a discreet staircase.

“It is out of sight and does have that hidden, bespoke element to it in the CBD which we like,” said Arnold of the space that previously homed eatery Greenglass.

Chefs Dan Arnold and Matt Blackwell will launch Pneuma.

The 30-40 seat venue will initially operate as a pop-up for the supremely talented duo to test out the market, with the plan to turn it into something more permanent based on customer feedback.

“The idea with the pop-up is it gives us the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t and then we can evolve it from there,” said Blackwell, with the space to be light and cosy, playing into the building’s heritage features but with a modern edge.

The gents say Pneuma will serve their signature style of food using the best local ingredients in new and inventive ways complemented by highly professional yet approachable service.

“It’s going to be a constantly evolving list of dishes and short or long tasting menus,” said Blackwell, who will run the kitchen and the bulk of the operation.

“It’s not going to be strict fine dining but there will be a la carte as well as shared things and individual things.”

The menu is still being finalised, but guests can expect bold and unique flavour combinations that have all the creativity and innovation of a Michelin-starred restaurant but without any of the pomp or pretension.

Matching the food will be an international 150-bottle wine list, with a slight French leaning.

The venue will open predominantly for lunch, with only Thursday and Friday dinner services; and target a mostly corporate crowd, with lawyers, barristers and judges expected to be regular clientele given the venue’s proximity to the courts.

This will be the first venue for Blackwell and the third for Arnold, who says he will leave Blackwell in charge with Restaurant Dan Arnold still his main focus.

Pneuma – which means the vital spirit, soul, or creative force of a person – is set to open on November 1.