Bars
The Happy Boy team opens Snack Man in Fortitude Valley
Food & Drink

The Happy Boy team opens Snack Man in Fortitude Valley

The Chinese fine diner has become a bit of a trend of late, moving away from sweet-and-sour pork to take the robust flavours of East Asia to new heights through intricate plating and techniques. Considering Happy Boy’s take on regional Chinese food, Greenglass' unique approach French cuisine and Australian wine, and Italian Food Restaurant's shift away from traditional pizza and pasta, it's safe to say owners Cameron and Jordan Votan aren't ones to follow trends. For their latest venture, the brothers will instead celebrate the ‘Chinese food of the people’, focusing on flavoursome on-the-go-style eats using simple fresh ingredients. more

Bars
It's playtime – Welcome to Bowen Hills shows off its new arcade
Food & Drink

It’s playtime – Welcome to Bowen Hills shows off its new arcade

King Street’s food-truck hub is capping off the year with a new look and some engaging entertainment options. Welcome to Bowen Hills has undergone a sprucing, and with this new vibe comes a host of arcade machines. From Air hockey and pinball to giant chess and PacMan, Welcome to Bowen Hills now has everything to keep you occupied on a night out. more

Bars
Soapbox Beer announces its arrival in the heart of Fortitude Valley
Food & Drink

Soapbox Beer announces its arrival in the heart of Fortitude Valley

Scott Robertson and Luke Nixon are two craft-beer enthusiasts with something to say. They reckon beer should be approachable and playful, eschewing the mainstream formula with some brewed-in quirkiness to keep tastebuds interested. Instead of standing on a street corner and vying for your attention like a town crier, the duo transformed their metaphorical soapbox into a brewery of their own on Fortitude Valley’s Gipps Street, where drinkable statements are being offered to the public from tomorrow, Thursday December 13. more

Bars
Get a glimpse at Howard Smith Wharves' overwater bar Mr Percival's
Food & Drink

Get a glimpse at Howard Smith Wharves’ overwater bar Mr Percival’s

Following hot on the heels of the gangbuster opening weekend of Felons Brewing Co., the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is looking to go two-for-two with its brand-new bar Mr Percival’s. An adventurous architectural endeavour, this world-class octagonal bar and eatery sits above the lapping waters of the Brisbane River, uniting European flair with a resonant Brisbane-inspired familiarity. Mr Percival’s officially opens its doors at 8:00 pm tonight, Thursday November 29, but we’ve got a the sneak peek inside for you ahead of another record-setting weekend. more

Bars
West End icon The Boundary Hotel reopens after a modern rejuvenation
Food & Drink

West End icon The Boundary Hotel reopens after a modern rejuvenation

Never Been Kissed, She’s All That, Grease, Clueless. These classic movies have one thing in common – they all feature a stunning makeover moment. We’re suckers for a head-to-toe overhaul, which is why we’ve been champing at the bit to get a look at The Boundary Hotel’s new look. The storied boozer has been undergoing a modernisation of sorts in recent months, and now the pub is officially opening its doors to the public today, Thursday November 29. From a brand-new rooftop bar to a hot-to-trot pizzeria, The Boundary Hotel’s new amenities are looking to invigorate the venue’s appeal without sacrificing the honest vibes that made it a West End staple for more than a century. more

Bars
Camp Hill celebrates the opening of wine maison The Old Seven
Food & Drink

Camp Hill celebrates the opening of wine maison The Old Seven

There is a long list of reasons to fall in love with France, but we’d have to put its abundance of world-class wines right at the top. Come to think of it, we’d say the same for Spain and Italy too. In fantastic news for local oenophiles, a curated selection of continental European wine (as well as a swag of cheese and smallgoods) is being showcased at Camp Hill’s new wine bar The Old Seven. This charming European-inspired locale opened officially this week, unveiling its selection of worldly wines, fancy fromage and intimate vintage atmosphere. more

Bars
Howard Smith Wharves unveils impressive riverside brewery Felons Brewing Co.
Food & Drink

Howard Smith Wharves unveils impressive riverside brewery Felons Brewing Co.

When it comes to Brisbane’s settlement history, the names Phamphlett, Parsons, Finnegan and Thompson don’t carry as much weight as John Oxley, but their story is incredibly significant to Brisbane’s founding nonetheless. These four escaped convicts are credited as the first white settlers to encounter the Brisbane River in the early 1800s, and their inadvertent journey north led to the founding of our city. This unheralded aspect of Brisbane’s genesis formed the conceptual inspiration for Felons Brewing Co. – a centrepiece tenant of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Open today, Friday November 23, the impressive waterfront locale is part architectural delight and part bastion of contemporary brewing – a sublimely executed drinking and dining destination that celebrates Brisbane’s natural splendour. more

Bars
New lease on life – Alfred & Constance scores new ownership
Food & Drink

New lease on life – Alfred & Constance scores new ownership

In the wake of the collapse of Damian Griffiths' hospitality empire, much discussion has surrounded what would become of his popular Fortitude Valley locales – especially beloved haunt Alfred & Constance. After months of reduced activity, the corner venue has officially changed hands from receivers to hospitality veterans RMS Group, signalling a new phase for the bar, which will undergo an evolution over the next 12 months. For now, Alfred & Constance is officially back open six nights a week with a new menu, a spruced-up interior and the same energetic atmosphere punters know and love. more


Bars
Hidden hip-hop bar Next Episode opens on Fish Lane
Food & Drink

Hidden hip-hop bar Next Episode opens on Fish Lane

Regardless of whether you prefer Biggie or 2Pac, rep NWA or the Wu-Tang Clan, jam out to old-school hits or the new flavour, Brisbane hip-hop lovers of all kinds now have a watering hole to call their own. Tucked away in the back streets of South Brisbane, Next Episode is a secretive speakeasy that must be found before it can be enjoyed. It’s a bit tricky to find, but once you spot the neon signage and punch in the entry code, you’ll be free to enjoy house-party vibes, specialty cocktails and the greatest hip-hop hits spinning all night. more

Bars
Save room for sweets – The Stand is now serving dessert and drinks at California Lane
Food & Drink

Save room for sweets – The Stand is now serving dessert and drinks at California Lane

We’ve paced past the mint-green and pink entryway to California Lane so many times now it’s becoming weird, but we can’t help it. Ever since we heard The Stand was bringing deconstructed desserts and cocktails to Fortitude Valley’s newest laneway, we figured we’d need to stop in and sample straight away. The colourful and charming corner nook has finally opened at the perfect time – just before summer sends us seeking shade, sweet treats and cool drinks. more

Bars
Home to everyone – 24-hour gastropub Beirne Lane opens in The Valley
Food & Drink

Home to everyone – 24-hour gastropub Beirne Lane opens in The Valley

Last Friday, Fortitude Valley’s Brunswick Street Mall welcomed the anticipated new arrival from the Celissa Group, Beirne Lane – a 24-hour haven that allows guests to dine all day, drink all day and dance all night. The newest tenant of the revitalised T.C. Beirne Building is drawing upon the enterprising spirit of its home’s namesake, looking to be a welcoming hybrid of bar and restaurant hospitality that reflects Thomas Charles Beirne’s Irish heritage, fascination with Japan and his love for Fortitude Valley. more

Bars
Teneriffe scores big with heritage hideaway Streetcorner Jimmy
Food & Drink

Teneriffe scores big with heritage hideaway Streetcorner Jimmy

The name James Gibbon would only be familiar to those with a knowledge of Brisbane's early history, but unbeknownst to the greater population, the merchant turned land speculator and politician had a profound impact on the city throughout the 1800s. The man directly responsible for giving Teneriffe its name owned a considerable amount of property, including a particular fondness for corner tenancies. Affectionately known as Streetcorner Jimmy, James’ accumulated land now forms Teneriffe’s heritage centre, and a new bar at the base of the London Woolstore is celebrating the area’s history while breathing some new life into the Vernon Terrace strip. more

Bars
Forth over Stones Corner's new saloon Crafty Fox Alehouse & Kitchen
Food & Drink

Forth over Stones Corner’s new saloon Crafty Fox Alehouse & Kitchen

Thirsty locals of Brisbane’s inner south take note – the team behind Chermside’s craft-beer dispensary Tapworks Bar & Grill has brought its brand of hopped-up hospitality to Logan Road. Crafty Fox Alehouse & Kitchen has turned on the taps at its new watering hole, pouring a choice selection of locally brewed suds while also dishing out a menu of quintessential bar bites. more

Bars
Get a sneak peek at The Westin Brisbane's dining and drinking concepts
Food & Drink

Get a sneak peek at The Westin Brisbane’s dining and drinking concepts

It’s been a banner year for Brisbane’s hotel scene, with several top-tier arrivals making our city a staycation mecca. The Westin Brisbane is set to open its doors to guests this Thursday November 8, bringing with it a host of phenomenal amenities as well as a swag of impressive dining concepts. We’ll have a closer look at the hotel’s suites and spas soon, but for now we’re all about The Westin Brisbane’s signature restaurant Eden's Table, its aviation-inspired jazz lounge The Charles' and Brisbane's first swim-up pool bar The Nautilus. more

Bars
Sip cocktails in the breezy surrounds of The Terrace by e'cco
Food & Drink

Sip cocktails in the breezy surrounds of The Terrace by e’cco

Eight months on from relocating to its current digs in Newstead, e’cco bistro has scored an alfresco addition just in time for summer cocktail season. Philip Johnson and Mary Randles officially opened The Terrace by e’cco this week – a shady spot for casual nosh. If you need some encouragement to read on, then know that The Terrace is delivering oyster happy hours, chicken karaage milk buns and mouth-watering mojitos. Sounds pretty good, right? more

Bars
Mary Mae's brings cocktails and Louisianan fare to New Farm’s riverside
Food & Drink

Mary Mae’s brings cocktails and Louisianan fare to New Farm’s riverside

Let’s paint a picture – you’re perched in a shady spot next to the leisurely flowing waters of the Mississippi River, cocktail in hand and a platter of fresh seafood placed before you. New Orleans’ French Quarter is at your back, and the atmosphere is on point. This is the vibe that New Farm’s lively newcomer Proud Mary looks to create at Brisbane Powerhouse – complete with the vivid sounds and smells of America’s French-influenced south. If soul food and bloody Marys are your dream pairing, come on down to the river and see what’s going on. more

Bars
From beans to brews – Fonzie Abbott expands its Albion digs with new taphouse
Food & Drink

From beans to brews – Fonzie Abbott expands its Albion digs with new taphouse

It’s not unusual to see the name Fonzie Abbott at your local caffeine dispensary – the coffee roaster has been a player in the scene for years now. Recent months have seen the coffee roaster’s name affixed to several beer taps at discerning watering holes around town, heralding an exciting change for the Albion crew. After a few months of tinkering and experimenting, Fonzie Abbott has jumped into the beer game, installing a full-blown brewery at its Albion location. The changes don’t stop there – Fonzie Abbott’s home has undergone a head-to-toe makeover, adding a new taphouse, beer garden and roaster to the mix. more

Bars
Gabba + Co plates up nostalgic Australian tastes at Trafalgar Lane
Food & Drink

Gabba + Co plates up nostalgic Australian tastes at Trafalgar Lane

A stir of activity at the base of Woolloongabba’s Trafalgar Lane building got tongues wagging of a new multi-faceted and community-oriented arrival. The team from Osteria Epoca are the brains behind Gabba + Co, a casual and relaxed venue that will adapt to the needs and wants of locals. Opening today, Wednesday October 24, the eatery and bar will be looking to woo diners with a menu of all-time classics made from Queensland’s abundance of top-tier produce and given some adventurous tweaks. more

Bars
Froth on Brewski's new drink-in bottle shop My Beer Dealer
Food & Drink

Froth on Brewski’s new drink-in bottle shop My Beer Dealer

Matt Emmerson and Antoinette Pollock of famed craft-beer boozer Brewski have been hard at work over the past few months giving their beloved Caxton Street hideaway a new lease on life. After expanding its seating and function capabilities, the duo have today delivered on their promise of a drink-in bottle shop offering an overwhelming selection of the world’s best brews. My Beer Dealer is the apotheosis of Matt and Antoinette’s vision for Brewski – an oasis of boozy delights curated by the minds of those that live and breathe craft beer. more