Wine & Larder Bistro in Ashgrove under new ownership

Beloved Brisbane suburban bistro Wine & Larder has been sold – snapped up by a local vino king.

ASHGROVE’S beloved Wine & Larder Bistro is set to reopen this Friday under new ownership.

After falling on hard times amid the constant Covid lockdowns of the past two years, the business underwent a restructuring at the end of last year under founders James Alcock and Stephanie Fausz. But with the couple juggling multiple businesses (including Happy Days Food Co in The Gap, which they have now sold to Samara and Calum Jacobsen), staff shortages and a young family, they decided to sell.

Snapping up the beautiful Parisian-inspired bistro was local husband and wife Mark Whitaker and Leah Shelton, who live just five minutes down the road.

New owners Mark Whitaker and Leah Shelton at Wine & Larder Bistro in Ashgrove.

Co-owner of Newstead pop-up wine bar After Dark and renowned sommelier Whitaker, who has swirled glasses at the likes of Gauge, The Wolfe and Goma Restaurant, will, unsurprisingly be taking charge of the wine list, carefully hand picking 50-plus varieties to serve alongside local craft beers on tap and a European-inspired casual bistro menu.

Drinkers can expect an all-encompassing range from boundary-pushing new-wave wines to traditional old-world drops from both Australian and international producers, with a particular focus on the region of Beaujolais.

Wine & Larder Bistro in Ashgrove.

While new chef Nicole Hsu (ex-Goma Restaurant and Popolo) will roll out a menu of share plates, breads, salads and cheese, including scallops in the half shell with breadcrumbs and nduja; pork and pistachio terrine and chicken liver parfait with brioche.

Whitaker also plans to run his series of wine education events, Grape Sense, at the venue, as well as hosting special one-off wine dinners in collaboration with some of the hottest chefs in Brisbane.