Lang’s Lounge
Fortitude Valley’s small bar scene is getting bigger. Joining the ranks of the entertainment precinct’s booze-slinging boltholes is Lang’s Lounge, which is set to open this weekend on Saturday November 18. The brainchild of two seasoned hospitality veterans Kate Marshall and James Lang, Lang’s Lounge will breathe new life into the site previously home to Queens on Brunswick Street. The duo are currently putting the finishing touches on the space, swapping vibrant neon for a more relaxed ambience and cinema-inspired charm courtesy of dimmed lights and lamps, iconic movie posters on the walls, a curated playlist of tunes, and comfortable, worn-in furniture including timber tables, wingback chairs and Chesterfield couches. Cocktails will be a big focus here, as will a sense of locality. Kate and James will be slinging cocktails made with ingredients sourced from within a 200-km radius of the bar – including the spirits, many of which will be manipulated or washed to offer a unique element. Lang’s Lounge’s menu will feature a dedicated ‘local heroes’ section, where guests will be able to find drops from the likes of Milton Rum, Lula Rum, Eros Vodka and Grandad Jack’s Distillery. The Lang’s team will be working in a number of film references into its cocktail list. Expect to find the likes of An Offer He Can’t Refuse (described as a negroni with a twist, boasting Campari fat washed with smoked maple bacon and butter) alongside The Lula Long Island (a hero cocktail made with Lula White Rum), plus low- or no-preservative wines and beers from 10 Toes Brewery on the Sunshine Coast. Stay tuned for a closer look at Lang’s after it opens!

Croix Croissant
As much as we love a classic croissant, we’re easily tempted when it comes to boundary-pushing varieties. A new pastry maker is expected to open in Hillcrest just before Christmas arrives – one promising a familiar flavours and an exciting array of salivation-worthy experimental options. Croix Croissant, a Melbourne-born specialty croissant shop and cafe, is expanding to Brisbane. Founded by husband-and-wife team Audi and Rizka Krisnandika (both qualified cooks and patissieres), Croix Croissant’s Travancore store opened to the public in October 2022, but the brand’s beginnings stretch back to the days of the pandemic lockdowns, when Audi spent much of his time indoors practicing the techniques required to create the perfect croissant. His French-inspired croissant recipe (a labour-intensive, three-day process) forms the core of Croix’s offering, which includes your classic flaky favourites plus a range of sweet and savoury options boasting adventurous and interesting flavours. In addition to croissants, we’ve been told to expect cruffins, croissant rolls, cube croissants, bagel/sandwich-style croissants and a huge vegan offering, with more than 15 flavours offered each day across Croix’s vegan and non-vegan range. Out-of-the-box flavours will include a mi goreng brulee croissant, pandan creme brulee number and a salmon and cream cheese-filled croissant roll. Coffee will also be available alongside specialty beverages like matcha, Biscoff, brown sugar and pandan-infused lattes. Croix Croissant is targeting a pre-Christmas opening in December – keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Noosa Chocolate Factory
With gifting season looming, it’s nice to know that there are plenty of options to nab something sweet for a loved on. The crew behind Noosa Chocolate Factory has just opened its third Brisbane City store, this time snagging a spot right at the entrance to the prestigious Brisbane Arcade. Folks are already flocking to the shop – many getting a head start on their Christmas shopping by stuffing their stockings with Noosa Chocolate Factory’s fan-favourite rocky road, macadamia brittle slabs, chocolate-coated freeze-dried strawberries and honeycomb. The new store is now open seven days a week.

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