Wake up, Brisbane, we think we’ve got somethin’ to say to you – Maggie May might be one of the most attractive eateries to open in the city this year. We’re not joking, the newest concept from Hallmark Hospitality group (the crew behind Lefty’s Music Hall and Hey Chica!) is as alluring as the titular figure of Rod Stewart’s 1971 hit. Located at Gasworks Plaza, Maggie May blends a tasteful throwback aesthetic with Hallmark’s flair for creating a killer vibe. Little of the site’s previous identity remains, with Maggie May teaming up with award-winning interior designer Borhan Ghofrani to imprint a brand-new personality on the venue’s alfresco and inside areas. Here, an eclectic colour scheme of mustard, golden brown and deep teal saturates Maggie May in robust, retro hues, while olive-coloured booths, velvet curtains, fluted glass, a mirrored back bar, soft chequered carpeting and timber panelling create a plush pastiche that evokes the exclusive supper clubs of a bygone era. Between the breezy outdoor space, cushy booths and intimate nooks, the 230-seat Maggie May lives up to its free-spirited reputation by offering an experience to suit all comers, be it a leisurely morning breakfast, a blow-out long lunch or a late-night dinner rendezvous.

Although a supper club, Maggie May is also an early riser. Bleary-eyed breakfast lovers can saunter in for baked stone fruit bruschetta with thyme and whipped ricotta, crumpets crowned with double-smoked leg ham, gruyere bechamel and poached eggs, and the Gardeners Breakfast, which whomps together a nourishing mix of grilled polenta bites, smashed avocado, beetroot relish, watercress and slow-roasted tomatoes. Maggie May’s main menu (crafted by head chef Sam Skelton) is handily split between snacks and substantials, making it easy to navigate if you’re simply popping by or settling in. Small plates like sustainable hake goujons with ’nduja mayo and lime gremolata, fried spinach-and-ricotta ravioli with arrabiata sauce, and duck shanks with chilli caramel and charred lime are appetite-whetting starters. As for the large plates, Maggie May’s hearty and timeless dishes are best enjoyed shared. The Porkerhouse (chargrilled pork sirloin) with truffled green-pea puree, pancetta potatoes and chorizo butter, brined and roasted half chicken with carrot puree, raisin and kale salad, and maple walnuts, and South Australian black mussels with garlic, chilli, house Napoli sauce and crusty bread are stand-out selections. A quick flip through the beverage menu will prove that Maggie May isn’t short on quaffables. The cocktail list starts with tap punch and spritz, as well as a solid selection of classic concoctions (old fashioned, Americano, Sazerac and Harvey Wallbanger, among others). A clutch of Maggie originals include the zippy and smoky Animal Housed (tequila, mezcal, lime juice, habanero lime syrup and agave syrup), the refreshing Champagne Colada (rum, pineapple syrup, sparkling wine, pineapple juice and coconut sorbet) and the robust Disco Daddies Ice Tea (whisky, Amaro Montenegro, peach syrup, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and soda). Oh, and you can also order a negroni sbagliato, which is currently having a viral moment thanks to this enchanting exchange. The menu continues with low- and no-alcohol concoctions made using Lyre’s spirits and draught beers, before reaching the wine list, which is flush with both natural drops (from the likes of Das Juice, Architects of Wine and Sunny) and big, bold bottles of Penfolds shiraz and Amaury Beaufort chablis.

Maggie May officially opens to the public on Friday October 21. Head to the Stumble Guide for booking info, contact details and operating hours.