Restaurant closure a major blow to city's fine dining culture

The founding owner of Bacchus says if the restaurant closes permanently it will be a major loss to Newcastle's fine dining culture.

The restaurant was first opened in 2007 after its original owners, Anthony and Alison Ventura, restored the abandoned Central Methodist Mission building on King Street.

Since then the restaurant has almost consistently scored a prestigious hat in the Good Food Guide.

The restaurant's current owner, Matthew Higgins, has closed the restaurant but it is yet to be confirmed whether it will reopen in the future or be put up for sale.

Mr Ventura says Bacchus was a major attraction for fine diners to the CBD, opening the path for other high end restaurants such as Mason and Subo.

"I don't think it's good news," he said.

"There may be some short-term benefit for the other restaurants in picking up some weekend trade but at the end of the day good restaurants are full anyway.

"I think it does have more of a negative impact because by creating a dining culture people go out and eat more often."

Mr Ventura says it'd be difficult to see Bacchus Restaurant close for good.

"It wasn't just the year of our lives of the physical restoration," he said.

"It was also the three years that we operated it, and that certainly created a sense of pride and an emotional attachment to the place.

"Notwithstanding my falling out with my former business partner, I have always wanted to see it succeed and continue."

Source: ABC News, 9 August 2013