It’s almost a crime that it has taken Brisbane’s entertainment district this long to have an Irish pub of its own since Dooley’s closed its doors a few years ago, but now Fortitude Valley punters are finally able to enjoy authentic pub atmosphere in the newly opened Finn McCool’s on the Brunswick Street Mall. After taking over the ownership of the space in 2014, the Finn McCool’s team kicked off extensive refurbishments of the location in December 2015, transforming the space into a welcoming Irish eatery and modern laneway bar and cafe – perfect for socialising and leisurely dining. Finn McCool’s space is divided into two distinct sections, the traditional pub aesthetic of the main area, and the chic cocktail, craft beer and coffee spot The Causeway. The main space boasts a huge bar, cosy booth seating, large tables fit for large groups and alfresco seating on the mall, with plenty of TV screens showing the latest sporting events taking place around the world. The Causeway fills a formerly under-utilised laneway with seating, with large open windows bridging a second bar to the alleyway.

Finn McCool’s menu offering includes all of the decadent and hearty fare one would expect from a traditional Irish pub. Tackle the Tomahawk 1kg Angus steak, traditional Irish pork sausages with colcannon mash, slow-braised lamb shank or beef and Guinness pie and try and save some room for some Irish whiskey cake. A traditional Irish fry up breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushroom, pork sausage, black pudding, beans and Barry’s tea is available all day. All meats have been sourced from Paul the Butcher at Annerley Meats – provider of some of the best sausages and Black Pudding in town. The Causeway opens from 7:30 am and plates up gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and will also be serving barista-made coffee. The Causeway menu offers breakfast morsels such as spinach and feta scramble, speck and mushroom bruschetta and breakfast bagels topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Lunch hunters can enjoy baguettes and focaccia, while the evening service includes a range of tapas options such as mezze platters, rice papers rolls and prosciutto wrapped asparagus.

The Causeway will be the spot to go for an evening cocktail, with a range of creative inventions blending a host of tastes available in addition to craft beer and wine. The main bar features 13 tap beers, pouring must-haves such as Guinness and Kilkenny as well as a cider variety. The back bar features basic spirits through to premium whiskies, plus wines from Single Vineyards. Finn McCool’s hosts live entertainment, trivia and pool competitions, and should also be your first port of call for televised sporting matches and UFC bouts.

For more information, head to the Stumble Guide.