Chef David Pugh’s exit spells the end of fine dining institution Restaurant Two

AFTER more than 17 years a Brisbane city fine dining institution will shut its doors for good on Christmas Eve.

The family were unable to find buyers who wanted to take on the investment without David Pugh at the helm. Picture: Ric Frearson

AFTER more than 17 years Brisbane city fine dining institution Restaurant Two will shut its doors for good on Christmas Eve.

Owner and chef David Pugh plans to close the Edward St venue to spend more time with family and find a better work-life balance following a string of health issues, including carpal tunnel.

“Restaurant Two and David Pugh are one in the same - they’re inextricably linked.”

“He’s working six days a week from 9 in the morning to 11 at night because it’s his baby. But he knows the only way he can he can step away from this place is to close it on his own terms,” Pugh’s daughter and Restaurant Two manager Jessica Pugh said.

“He’s making the decision and it’s a luxury a lot of people don’t get to make, especially in this game.”

The restaurant had been on the market for the best part of this year, but the family were unable to find buyers who wanted to take on the investment without Mr Pugh at the helm.

“Restaurant Two and David Pugh are one in the same - they’re inextricably linked. And the interest we had said, ‘How does that translate if you’re (David) not here for us,” Mrs Pugh said.

They then felt the only answer was to close the doors, choosing Christmas Eve for their last service as it is a night traditionally packed with regulars, and will coincide with the arrival of a new grandchild for Mr Pugh.

“It wasn’t easy (deciding to close). It’s a painful thing. It’s bittersweet,” Mrs Pugh said.

The winding up of the restaurant follows a year of announcements of fine dining closures across the country with Mark Best’s Marque, Neil Perry’s Rockpool and Guillaume Brahimi’s Guillaume in Paddington all preparing to wrap up.

But Mrs Pugh insists the closing of Restaurant Two won’t mean retirement for her 59-year-old father, with a new venture already on the cards.

“It’ll probably be something in the ‘burbs with more family-friendly hours,” she revealed.

“Just something that you’re not worried about getting hats. He’s got visions of smashed avo on toast.”

The chef is apparently already scoping out potential sites, but nothing is planned until he has at least a month off in the new year.

“I think a good break would do us good before we jump into the next thing,” Mrs Pugh said.