Carlotta seated 120 guests and included two private dining rooms. Time will tell what new site owner Hunter and Barrel will make of the space. Photo: Michael Pham.
Canberra’s “sophisticated, hot, young, really energetic food scene” hasn’t been enough to keep the Lucas Collective operating in the Territory.
Its loosely Italian/Mediterranean-themed upmarket dining venue at Scott’s Crossing was meant to be the first of many offerings in Canberra, but now the site’s lease has been sold to Hunter and Barrel.
Lucas Collective CEO Chris Lucas said suitable opportunities to support a multi-venue model just didn’t eventuate.
“While this marks the end of our time at the Scotts Crossing site, we are incredibly proud of what the Carlotta team achieved in Canberra,” he said.
“We continue to see Canberra as a city with great culinary potential and look forward to sharing more about the future of the Carlotta brand in due course.”
This also means Mr Lucas’ plans to open a French Bistro at the site of the short-lived Botswana Butchery are not expected to go ahead.
Staff have been assured all entitlements will be finalised in full compliance with legal requirements. Gift card holders should have been contacted directly to arrange refunds or transfers.
Lucas Collective will retain ownership of the Carlotta brand, but a new offering will open at the QIC-owned site in 2026.
Seagrass CEO Ravi Singh said the team was delighted to take over the site and would bring Hunter and Barrel to Canberra.
“We are known for our rustic character, flame-grilled steaks, barrel-aged spirits and relaxed hospitality, and we look forward to welcoming guests to the venue in the future,” he said.
During its time in Canberra, Carlotta made a strong impression on the local dining scene, earning a GoodFood chef’s hat within weeks of opening and retaining it in 2025.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Canberra.
