It’s make or break time in Brisbane’s hospitality scene.

As one hotel receives a national award, another of the city’s best known restaurants has been forced to close permanently.

Camille McLachlan reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Emporium Hotel is crowing. It’s just been named Australia’s best boutique hotel at the HM Awards in Sydney.

Angela Loucaides, Marketing Manager, Emporium Hotel: “HM Awards is really special to us because it is a national award we’re actually up against some outstanding boutique hotels.”

And, this is the fourth consecutive year the Emporium’s won.

Angela Loucaides, Marketing Manager, Emporium Hotel: “It’s great to be recognised for what we do here at the hotel and as soon as we win an award we want the whole world to know.”

But while this Brisbane business celebrates, another has been forced to close.

After 17 years, Brett’s Wharf, officially closed on the second of September.

The restaurant had planned to close temporarily while Kingsford Smith Drive was upgraded.

When Brisbane City Council reversed its decision to upgrade Kingsford Smith Drive in 2011, Brett’s Wharf had already turned away around $2 million of business.

This loss in revenue proved fatal for the Brisbane icon.

The restaurant’s entire fitout is now being auctioned through Grays Online.

Camille McLachlan, QUT News.