Icons sign on for the prestigious food and drink offering at Howard Smith Wharves
All good things take time, which is why we can’t exactly be mad at the fact that the redevelopment of the Howard Smith Wharves has been so long in the making. Bits and pieces have been coming through since we first wrote about the project back in 2014, but a recent release of information has seen some very juicy details come about. Last week you guys got all kinds of excited when we dropped some hints in Pavement Whispers, so we thought we would provide a more in-depth look at what will be happening to the space in the months to come. If the thought of cutting-edge waterfront bars, Japanese izakayas from down south, brand-new Greek concepts and massive Hong Kong-inspired eateries gets you going, do read on.
Even though it’s not due to open to the public until late 2018, Howard Smith Wharves has already staked a claim as a force to be reckoned with in Brisbane’s dining and lifestyle scene. It has previously been confirmed that the 3.45-hectare space will play host to a boutique Art Series Hotel, but we’ve finally caught wind of the food offering and it’s pretty darn tasty. Joining the first food announcement is news of the Overwater Bar, a 200-sqm venue nestled beneath the beloved Story Bridge where you can expect sun-soaked champagne soirees coupled with lush greenery and top-notch service. The drinks aren’t the only exciting thing happening – prepare to whet your appetite with three world-class eateries joining the ranks.
Each of the venues revealed for the Howard Smith Wharves so far has an impressive list of names attached. First up we have Toko Brisbane by Matt Yazbek, a sibling venue to the existing Sydney and Melbourne Japanese izakayas – think long-lunch vibes, contemporary Japanese eats, and a space imbued with soft lighting and timber finishes designed by Matt Darwon. The second confirmed resident is a new Greek restaurant and bar concept from Jonathan Barthelmess (the brain behind The Apollo, The Apollo Ginza and Cho Cho San) – details are under wraps but you can expect honest, simple and thoughtful cuisine served in an understated space designed by architect George Livissianis. Finally, we have Stanley by Andrew Baturo, a Hong Kong-inspired eatery serving up Chinese cuisine led by former Brisbane Times’ chef of the year Kym Machin. The two-level space has been designed by industry greats, with interior design by mix-and-match maven Anna Spiro and architecture by Tania Reiken of Brisbane’s own Inaspace Design joining forces for the fit-out.
The Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment is due to open in 2018 – we’ll keep you posted with further updates as they come through.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
