Francie Mays moves into The Alibi Room in New Farm
You may be mourning the loss of The Alibi Room on Brunswick Street, but fear not – the new restaurant and bar that stands in its place is every bit as endearing.
Slouching on a street corner in New Farm, the iconic venue that was once The Alibi Room has now become Francie Mays, retaining its casual-cool aesthetic while adopting an Asian-inspired menu and an inventive catalogue of drinks. The gaping windows on street level remain, abetting Brunswick Street people watching and a cool spot to catch the breeze, while downstairs dimly lit booths will soon offer a more intimate dining experience.
Named after co-owner Hayley Wechsel’s straight-shooting grandma, Francie Mays is all about communal dining in a welcoming atmosphere. Executive chef Robert Newton takes tastebuds on a tour of Asia, with share plates boasting fresh flavours like dumplings of crab, herbs and bamboo shoots with a rich Katong laksa cream, and tamarind and turmeric charred jumbo tiger prawns with a mango and Vietnamese mint salad.
Brews like Kirin, White Rabbit and Little Creatures flow from the beer taps, while the cocktail list will soon boast creative tipples like green tea bubble margarita and spiked slushies. Melbourne’s Gridlock Coffee makes its first Brisbane appearance for the daytime crowd, while lunch bento boxes sustain local workers through the afternoon stretch. Ever the endearing host, Francie Mays has also introduced regular foodie events like Sticky Tuesdays and Wicked Wednesdays.
Francie Mays
720 Brunswick Street, New Farm
Ph: 07 3358 6669
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
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