Pneuma
THE LATEST
Tuesday June 17, 2025: Pneuma will have its final service on July 6. The decision comes after chef Matt Blackwell, who was the driving force behind the venue, announced his resignation.
“After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from the business,” Blackwell wrote on Instagram. “While this chapter is closing earlier than anticipated due to circumstances beyond my control, I unfortunately don’t see a future with Pneuma. The direction the business has taken no longer reflects the values or vision I originally set out with. As such, I believe it’s the right time for me to move on.
“Though this isn’t the ending I envisioned, I’m deeply proud of the work we’ve done and excited for what lies ahead.”
Chef Dan Arnold, who co-owned the space with Blackwell, said in a statement, "As Matt was Pneuma, we will be closing the restaurant... My intention is to keep this site and commence its next chapter in the coming future."
Pneuma, a term referring to the creative spirit of a person, is the name of a song by Tool. It’s also the name of a new restaurant by two of Brisbane’s best chefs and avid Tool fans: Dan Arnold (Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache a Vin) and Matt Blackwell (ex-Goma Restaurant).
Taking over the George Street space previously home to Greenglass, Pneuma will run as a pop-up until Arnold and Blackwell undertake more substantial renovations in 2024. Bespoke flower arrangements by Lyndall Bass and handmade ceramics from Tracy Murray are an elegant touch until then.
Enter through a nondescript door on George Street and ascend a flight of blacker-than-black stairs. At the top, turn right and walk past the kitchen and private area until you hit the main dining space, reminiscent of a New York loft with high ceilings, open glass windows and timber floorboards.
Arnold will continue to run his other two restaurants and cast a close eye over Pneuma, while Blackwell is running the pass. The menu includes snacks and small plates, such as smoked eel cream with black apple and crispy potato; malt tart with cheddar custard and Jerusalem artichoke; and corned ox tongue with tomato kasundi. Mains could be roasted monkfish tail with smoked onion and mussel beurre blanc.
For drinks, Australian and French wines feature heavily. For those who want to splurge, there’s a reserve list with rare drops from producers like Rockford, Joh Jos Prüm and Jules Desjourneys.
Contact Details
Phone: 0430 371 302
Website: pneumarestaurant.com.au
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