Gus Armstrong has run the popular eightysix restaurants in Braddon and Phillip – but there’s change afoot. Photo: Michelle Rowe
eightysix south at Phillip will close at the end of the financial year, with owner Gus Armstrong and the team turning their focus to eightysix north (their location in Braddon).
But for Gus, it’s not a bittersweet decision, and he’s “so proud” of what they have delivered since they opened in 2022.
“It’s not a doom and gloom story. We’re pretty excited, relieved, and happy that we can go down to one venue with all of the best people we have and simplify our lives a little,” he says.
“It had nothing to do with the way the business was operating. It was more of a structural thing regarding the partnership behind the business.”
The Phillip restaurant serves modern Italian cuisine, and two brothers will run a new restaurant in the space.
eightysix will take bookings and walk-ins until 30 June, with the new owners taking over the space shortly after.
While he couldn’t reveal many details, Gus says Canberra foodies can expect a Vietnamese theme.
“It’s all happy days. We’re very, very lucky to get an amazing offer in such a tricky time,” he says.
Until then, it’s business as usual for the eightysix south team.
“[After the last day of service] we will close it down and have two days to clean it thoroughly for the new kids to come in,” he says.
“We wish them all the best and [know] they can smash it down there.”
Saturday bookings are already starting to fill up, so Gus recommends picking a mid-week date.
Gus says “not a doom and gloom story”, but rather a chance for the team to refocus on their Braddon location. Photo: Ashley St George.
The move leaves their northside venue on Lonsdale Street, but Gus reassures regulars they can still get their eightysix fix there – and maybe even some banoffee pie.
“I think a lot of the [eightysix] south dishes, especially the favourites, will be tried on … [to see how they fit] into the concept delivery there,” he says.
“It just depends on what the dining room wants.”
Gus will also be joined by the senior chef from Phillip, Michael Rees, and the restaurant manager, Pedro.
“It’s going to be a very powerful little set-up there to have some time to create new things and chase down some events,” he says.
“We just haven’t had time for that. I’m trying to manage two dogs, two kids and two restaurants, which makes me very busy.”
While it served as a “swanky, fine dining” option against the “canteen, smash house mess hall” of eightysix north, both have attracted a loyal following.
“Of course, there’s going to be some upset people who can’t eat at their favourite restaurant,” he says.
“We predicted that would be the case because they’ve got a huge regular fan base [at the Phillip restaurant].
“I don’t think you get commentary like that, social media-wise, unless you’re doing something pretty special.”
eightysix south is located at 45 Furzer Street in Phillip. It is open from 6 pm to 10 pm, Tuesday to Saturday – until 30 June.
