Heritage refinement meets modern style at Spring Hill’s Kennigo Social House
Tucked away in a quiet Fortitude Valley street is one of Brisbane’s newest accommodation destinations Mantra Richmont Hotel, which in turn shelters a smart new restaurant by the name of Kennigo Social House. Located within a refurbished heritage-listed Queenslander, this eatery blends relaxed-yet-modern dining with a noticeably distinguished aesthetic.
The space
Kennigo Street has been home to one of Brisbane’s most charming examples of quintessential Queensland architecture for 130 years, and Mantra’s latest development – the Mantra Richmont Hotel – has incorporated the imposing Queenslander, once known as a boarding house for ‘respectable gentlemen’. The hotel development juxtaposes clean and contemporary architecture with the building’s rustic, heritage-listed facade, with the Queenslander’s interior restored to bring out the highlights of the original decor for a new restaurant. Newly dubbed the Kennigo Social House, the restaurant has been fitted out with simple and sharp furnishings that won’t draw your eye away from the original stained-glass doors, working fireplace and the red brick of the walls. A wrap-around deck gives ample opportunity to catch the cool summer breezes in the evening, while an outdoor bar and courtyard is a great spot to enjoy a pre-dinner or post-work tipple or two.
The food
Head chef Steven Herold’s menu boasts options to satisfy the casual drinks-and-snacks crowd and the sit-down diners equally. Sprinklings of Asian influences cover the menu, which also draws inspiration from modern Australian cuisine. A mix of breakfast classics, tasty share plates and larger meals offer something for all hunger levels and tastes. The share plates list is spearheaded by the kitchen’s signature ‘KSC’ Kennigo Social chicken wings, bolstered by the likes of polenta-crumbed eggplant chips and 24-hour marinated and braised beef short ribs. Substantial lunch and dinner options include the likes of char-grilled rib fillets, roast lamb rump with smashed beans and beetroot relish, linguini with Queensland prawns and zucchini flowers as well as a few stacked burgers. Thirsty patrons can enjoy their meals with a good mixture of fresh Mediterranean wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails.
The details
Located next to Mantra Richmont’s main lobby is Kennigo’s Espresso Bar, a casual coffee nook that is perfect for grab-and-go options. Bites include breakfast wraps, ham and cheese toasties, fruit salads and house-made granola. Kennigo Social House and its courtyard bar are available for functions, with specialised packages available.
For more information on Kennigo Social House, head to the Stumble Guide.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
