The acclaimed Pneuma restaurant in Brisbane CBD is set to close its doors following co-owner and celebrated chef Matt Blackwell’s decision to step away from the popular establishment he helped create.
Blackwell’s final service at Pneuma will be on 6 July. The restaurant first opened in November 2023 in the light-filled CBD heritage space that was previously home to Greenglass.
A Divergence in Vision
Blackwell communicated his departure in an email to guests, stating it was a difficult but necessary decision to leave Pneuma. He expressed gratitude to diners for their support and belief in what they were building. Speaking about his choice, Blackwell described it as “heartbreaking,” explaining that he had invested nearly two years of effort into the venture. He noted that while the restaurant’s daily operations were successful, its overall direction had moved away from his personal vision, making it the right time for him to depart.
Dan Arnold, the other co-owner and a prominent chef known for Restaurant Dan Arnold and La Cache a Vin, confirmed that Blackwell’s exit effectively ends Pneuma as it is currently known, given Blackwell’s role as its creative driving force.
Pneuma’s Acclaimed Run
Despite its relatively short existence, Pneuma quickly became a significant name in Brisbane’s dining scene. It gained attention for its seasonal menu, which intelligently used different proteins. The restaurant earned numerous accolades, including being recognised as one of Queensland’s finest restaurants in the 2025 Good Food Guide. Matt Blackwell, previously celebrated for his work at GOMA Restaurant, and Dan Arnold are highly regarded figures in the city’s culinary world.
Future Plans for the Site
In a statement, Dan Arnold thanked Matt Blackwell for his dedication and for “breathing life” into Pneuma, helping it become what it is today from its beginnings as a pop-up. Arnold stated that he intends to keep the tenancy on George Street in Brisbane City. He plans to close Pneuma after the final service on July 6 but will use the site to launch a new concept soon.
What’s Next for the Chefs
Matt Blackwell plans to take a break from the kitchen to consider his next career move. He has indicated that his future endeavours may involve opening his own restaurant, rather than working for someone else, and did not rule out the possibility of it being outside of Queensland. Meanwhile, Dan Arnold will focus on developing the new restaurant concept for the Pneuma site.
Published Date 19-Jun-2025
