The vibrant Canberra suburb of Braddon has lost one of its newest culinary additions, with the all-day restaurant and bar Uptown Vibes shutting down after only seven months in business.
A Sudden Farewell to Lonsdale Street
Uptown Vibes officially closed its doors on Sunday, November 23, marking the end of its brief tenure at the prominent Lonsdale Street location. The establishment had opened with considerable fanfare back in April 2025, taking over the space previously occupied by Lonsdale Street Roasters Number 7, which had ceased operations in late 2024.
The venture was helmed by owners James Zhang and Sandra Refuerzo, who also operate the well-regarded Fyshwick bakery Coco and Rye. Their vision for Uptown Vibes was to create a versatile all-day destination serving everything from breakfast and lunch to dinner and evening cocktails.
Challenges and Industry Context
The restaurant's journey faced several hurdles, including the departure of its head chef, Leon Bueno, merely months after opening. Bueno brought experience from his previous role at the esteemed restaurant Brunello, and his exit likely impacted the kitchen's operations.
A food review published in The Canberra Times highlighted some inconsistencies with the menu, though it did praise specific dishes like the Wagyu beef and the quince tarte tartin. This closure is not an isolated incident for Canberra's inner-city dining scene. It follows the recent shutdowns of other establishments, including Mezcals Tequila Bar and Restaurant in the Sydney Building in August and Bada Bing on the bus interchange in June.
Looking to the Future
Just days before the final service, the owners took to social media to announce the difficult decision. In emotional posts, they expressed gratitude to their patrons and staff, reflecting on the memorable moments created within the venue.
"From Sunday brunches to long lunches, late-night cocktails to incredible celebrations, our time in this space has been unforgettable," the statement read. "We want to say a huge thank you to our incredible community, our amazing team, and every single person who has walked through our doors or supported us along the way."
Despite this setback, there is already anticipation for what comes next. It is understood that owners Zhang and Refuerzo are planning a new venture for the same Lonsdale Street spot, with an expected opening in early 2026. This suggests that while the Uptown Vibes concept has ended, their commitment to the Braddon hospitality scene remains strong.
