Grossi and Public Hospitality part ways on Kew Italian osteria Puttanesca

May Be Interested In:More than 20 people rescued from floodwaters as thunderstorm lashes Sydney


Puttanesca at the Clifton Hotel, which was previously owned by embattled Public Hospitality, is in the hands of a new operator as Public’s financial unravelling continues.

The Grossi family has ended its association with Puttanesca, the flagship restaurant at the Clifton Hotel, owned until recently by Public Hospitality Group.

The Kew Junction pub, built in 1868, had been vacant for many years before its splashy reopening in August 2023, which marked Sydney-based Public Hospitality’s first serious move into the Melbourne market.

At the time, restaurateur-chef Guy Grossi told Good Food, “For me, a new project has to feel right and be fun. When I’m here, and I look around, I feel good about it.”

Jon Adgemis (left) with Guy Grossi outside the Clifton Hotel in Kew in July 2023.
Jon Adgemis (left) with Guy Grossi outside the Clifton Hotel in Kew in July 2023.Joe Armao

It’s safe to say the good feels are gone.

“We don’t share the same business values so we couldn’t continue with the association,” said the Grossi family, as part of an announcement on Monday that all ties were severed between themselves, the restaurant and Public Hospitality.

“Grossi Group was engaged as a supplier of consulting services to the Puttanesca Osteria restaurant operated by Public Hospitality Group,” the family said in a statement.

“We have never been involved in the day-to-day operations of Public Hospitality Group. We can confirm we have now ceased our arrangement with Public Hospitality Group and will no longer be involved with Puttanesca Osteria.”

Owned by former KPMG dealmaker turned publican Jon Adgemis, Public Hospitality disintegrated after refinancing in 2024. Many businesses within the group collapsed, including Sydney’s Oxford House, The Norfolk and Strand Hotel.

The dining room at Puttanesca in September 2023, shortly after opening.
The dining room at Puttanesca in September 2023, shortly after opening.Paul Jeffers

Last September, Good Food reported that Puttanesca’s future was uncertain as Public Hospitality’s financial woes affected several businesses. “We are waiting to see what’s happening and trying to work through everything,” said Grossi Restaurants co-owner Elizabeth Grossi-Rodriguez at the time.

Since November 1, the owner of the Clifton Hotel has been Linchpin Hospitality, which has also taken control of three of Public’s former Sydney venues – the Empire Hotel, Lady Hampshire and Bayswater Hotel.

Linchpin’s management team includes chief executive Terry Soukoulis and well-known chef George Calombaris. Soukoulis previously managed Hotel Sorrento, where Calombaris also has ties.

“There aren’t many changes at Puttanesca,” says restaurant manager Johnny Mathias, also a Hotel Sorrento alumnus. “It’s still Italian food.”

The menu retains Mamma’s Lasagne, which Guy Grossi was proud to introduce to Kew. “It’s our nonna’s recipe for bolognese sauce with bechamel and pasta sheets, gooey and yummy,” he said in 2023.

Public’s second Melbourne venue was Saint George in St Kilda, with chef Karen Martini at the helm. Mathias also worked there. He says Linchpin briefly oversaw the venue but was no longer involved.

Saint George is still accepting online bookings, but the phone number on the website is disconnected.

Martini was approached for comment but did not respond before publication.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.

Sign up

From our partners

share Share facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Superquiz, Wednesday, January 8
Superquiz, Sunday, February 2
The Age photos of the week, January 18, 2025
The Age photos of the week, January 18, 2025
Dua Lipa shares first snap with 'financé' Callum Turner since 'proposal'
Dua Lipa shares first snap with ‘financé’ Callum Turner since ‘proposal’
Australian Open Highlights: Alex Michelsen v Karen Khachanov
Australian Open Highlights: Alex Michelsen v Karen Khachanov
How parents are erasing stationery waste
How parents are erasing stationery waste
Your pictures: Storm Bert brings snow, wind and rain to UK
Your pictures: Storm Bert brings snow, wind and rain to UK
Hot Off the Press: Breaking Stories You Need to Hear | © 2025 | Daily News