And the attraction of the Kingston foreshore could be a factor, a manager for the cafe's leaseholder said.

O'Brien Group general manager Daniel Smith said there had been a "good level" of interest in the site, but a suitable operator was yet to be found.

"Kingston Foreshore probably looks more attractive as a proposition – new hospitality down there is booming," he said.

Mr Smith praised the sale of the nearby Eyre Street carpark late last year to make way for plans to build a Supabarn, at least 100 dwellings and an extra 1000 square metres of retail space on the site.

"It's bringing people back into Kingston, having a good quality tenant – I think all the retail businesses will benefit from foot traffic," he said.

"I think they see the opportunity for Jardine Street, [but] they're not going to see the benefit of them immediately."

One party interested in the Jardine Street site had been unable to pursue the sub-lease due to a lack of available refrigeration, he said.

The group's strong preference was for an operator of a similar sort of venue, which could benefit from the lack of a liquor competitor on the same side of the street, despite licensed establishments around Green Square across the road.

"If someone comes in with a retail site then great – it's a natural fit for a good little hospitality concept – whether cosy cafe or a little bar that does a good wine."

Feedback had indicated the requested annual rental of $162,240 plus GST and outgoings had been an issue for some prospective tenants, he said.

But Mr Smith said those who made a genuine offer would be considered.

The venue operated as Little Brussels Belgian Beer Cafe for 10 years, with a changing beer market noted as an important factor in its closure in March.

Belgian Beer Cafes licensed to use the name remain open in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney.

The O'Brien Group closed its other Belgian Beer Cafe, in Brisbane, last spring.