Beers ahoy! Hope and Anchor arrives in Paddington
Being part of the European Union is not something that the United Kingdom does well. What it does do well though, is good old-fashioned pubs and cosy bars. You’re often greeted by the warmth and familiarity of yesteryear, a fireplace crackling, and some bloody good booze accompanied by simple and delicious comfort food. In light of Brexit, we can understand if you’re not overly keen on visiting the UK at the moment. Instead you can just trot on over to Paddington, and find yourself a cushy nook in new bar and eatery Hope and Anchor.
The space
Housed in possibly the most charming building in Paddington, it’s not hard for Hope and Anchor to be welcoming. Whether you’re a Paddington local or not, you’re sure to be familiar with the Given Terrace space, home to The Lark for many years, and most recently Shingle Inn. Restaurateur Jamie Webb – you know his name by now, think Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Ginger’s and Sonny’s House of Blues – has taken over the space, stripping it back to its original bones to create an inviting neighbourhood bar that certainly reflects the kind of offering you would find in the United Kingdom. On the ground floor the bar is the main feature, where you can pull up a stool and engage in a stare-off with the taxidermy pheasant and duck that watch overhead. The conservatory-style courtyard is dimly lit by low-hanging lights and kitsch chandelier fittings, warmed by the original open fireplace in the back corner. Meandering up the creaky timber stairs to the second level, you’ll spy aged-spotted black-and-white photographs watching over you (and possibly judging your late-night stumbles) as you make your way to the intimate candle-lit booth seating. Jamie also has plans in the coming weeks to open the loft level, which will be reserved for private dining experiences, and host tasting evenings and degustations in the cellar in the coming months. Want to see more of the space? Follow through to The Street Photographer.
The food and drink
Hope and Anchor is all about the simple life. No fuss, just honest, good food and booze to keep local revellers satiated. You can pair your beer with bar snacks such as beef jerky and potato chips, or go for small bites such as Reuben roll ups – that’s bite-sized sauerkraut and Swiss cheese wrapped in warm pastrami. Oof. The oofs continue with a classic chip butty spread with black garlic mayo and house-made tomato sauce, steak tartare, spanner crab with red salsa and prawn crackers, and scamorza arancini. For a hearty meal opt for a ‘knife, fork, spoon’ option – think a half chicken with truffled sausage gravy and mash, or peppercorn minute steak.
The details
Hope and Anchor opened tonight, Tuesday July 19. The bar and eatery will be open seven nights a week, and for lunch Friday through Sunday. Stay tuned for a number of upcoming events, including once-a-month house party Sundays. Like the sounds of Hope and Anchor? For full contact details, opening hours and other important information, head to our Stumble Guide.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.