NOTA Restaurant and Wine Bar Paddington announces surprise closure

Chefs at a popular Brisbane eatery with the knack for pairing some of the world’s finest wines with a modern European twist have announced their restaurant’s closure, leaving fans devastated.

Chefs and co-owners Sebastiaan de Kort and Kevin Docherty.

Known for their impressive collection of wines from around the world paired with quality dishes, a popular Brisbane eatery has announced their closure in the coming months.

NOTA, a modern European restaurant and wine bar at Paddington, has announced its last day of service will be August 3, after more than five years of operation.

In 2019, chefs and co-owners Sebastiaan de Kort and Kevin Docherty took over the heritage shopfront occupied for many years by the French veteran Montrachet before it decamped to Bowen Hills, creating a relaxed eatery with a trendy European atmosphere.

The young entrepreneurs took on the venture at ages 24 and 27.

Mr de Kort said starting NOTA so early in their careers was of course challenging, and they couldn’t have done it without the amazing Paddington community.

“We are excited for what the future holds, both for us and for the space we’re leaving behind,” Mr de Kort said.

The closure will provide Mr de Kort and Mr Docherty with the chance to merge their NOTA team with their second business, Allonda at Newstead, which they co-own with sommelier Yanika Sittisuntorn.

NOTA, Paddington. Photograph David Kelly

Mr de Kort said the decision was dictated by the end of the restaurant’s lease.

A NOTA spokesman said they look forward to bringing their team back together in one spot and other exciting ventures that are bubbling away in the background.

“Thank you (customers) for being part of our journey for the past five and a half years, we could not have done this without your continued support,” Mr de Kort said.

“Come join us over the next eight weeks as we bring back some of our beloved classic dishes and say farewell to the crew.

“From the bottom of our hearts we thank you, we hope to welcome you again.”

Before closing, NOTA will reintroduce the most loved items from its menu including a Brisbane Valley quail served with sweet corn polenta, beef bourguignon, and broccolini with anchovy butter.

Customers shared their sadness at the news, adding that they will miss a quality local dining experience.

The NOTA Fraser Island Spanner crab pasta, chilli and garlic. Photograph David Kelly

Brisbane food enthusiast Adam Wang said he was totally shocked when he found out NOTA was closing.

“I was shocked until I read the detail, it totally makes sense at current economic status,” Mr Wang said.

A Paddington resident expressed that she was heartbroken to hear the news.

“(I’m) Excited for what is to come at Allonda,” she said.