Goodtime
Goodtime, West Village’s go-to yum cha spot, is set to reopen in October after an exciting transformation. The crew, which also operates high-end inner-city eatery Longtime, has given Goodtime’s interior a substantial makeover, with renders revealing a chic new aesthetic boasting burgundy walls, white tiles and hanging pendant lights. In addition to overhauling the kitchen and repositioning the bar, Goodtime’s outdoor seating area has been expanded to offer guests more elbow room. Goodtime’s menu has also been given some tweaks. While the focus is still on yum cha, the offering has been bolstered with a larger a la carte menu, which will be available alongside a bigger and better all-you-can-eat yum cha offering, a brand-new cocktail list and an elevated selection of wines. Stay tuned for more on Goodtime’s revamp in the coming weeks.

Pier 33
An iconic Sunshine Coast venue is getting a new lease on life, with new owners of Pier 33 giving the Mooloolaba institution $500,000 worth of upgrades. Now under the stewardship of the Williams family – the operators behind Brisbane venues Madame Wu and Chu the Phat – Pier 33 is looking to diversify its offering, with a new internal refurbishment improving acoustics for live music and events. Pier 33 has welcomed new group executive chef Murray Paterson, who joins the operation after stints working in major hospitality venues across China, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea and Singapore. Expect the Pier 33 menu to evolve to reflect national and international trends, with the finest local ingredients continuing to shine across the board. Pier 33 also boasts one of the largest wine cellars on the Sunshine Coast, with rare drops from Australia and abroad featuring on the wine list.

Rays by Range
Following the massive success of its Paddington-based neighbourhood bar Patio, the Range Brewing team is opening a new sunny suds spot over in Camp Hill. Rays by Range will open next month on the corner of Martha Street and Newman Avenue in the space previously home to Ze Pickle. The team will soon convert the site into an inviting locale with its own visual identity, contouring the existing industrial elements with warm touches and seating for approximately 90 guests. Punters familiar with Patio’s offering will find a lot to like at Rays, which will boast a similar beverage menu anchored by ten taps of Range beers, two taps dispensing LATTA Vino, an additional wine list and a clutch of cocktails. On the food front, expect Range’s beloved pizza selection as well as some share-style eats. Rays by Range is targeting a late-September opening date – read more about the plans here and check the bar’s social-media pages to follow along with the build progress.

Poca Madre
Only a few short months from the debut of its fiery Argentinian-inspired steakhouse Calida, Alemré Hospitality Group is set to open a brand-new concept just across the road. Poca Madre is replacing the group’s Mexican-inspired eatery Mucho Mexicano, transforming its Grey Street location into a 200-seat oasis boasting warm pinks and earthy tones. Unita is leading the stylistic refresher, which will incorporate warm tiles and hand-painted murals across an open-air dining area and bar on the ground floor, as well as a mezzanine level. Alemré Hospitality Group’s executive chef Adam Starr is overseeing Poca Madre’s menu, which will incorporate traditional and contemporary Mexican recipes across a botanas (snacks), tacos, antojitos (small plates), comidas (mains) and share-style banquets. Poca Madre’s drinks menu will be led by margaritas (including eye-popping and tongue-tantalising selection of signatures and twists on classics), tequilas and mezcal (with singular tastings and agave flights available), Mexican and Australian beers, and a sturdy selection of wines. Poca Madre is set to open in early spring – find out more here.

MEDÉ Modern Mediterranean
September continues to evolve into a big month for foodies, with the Melrose team tabbing Wednesday September 18 as the opening date for its new Bulimba restaurant, MEDÉ Modern Mediterranean. Taking over the site previously home to King Crab Co on Oxford Street, MEDÉ will treat diners to a broad menu encompassing traditional and contemporary trends. Head chef Sam Richards (formerly of Cloudland and Manly Boathouse) will be utilising local produce – think grass-fed meats and line-caught fish – across the board, with a globe-trotting wine list and a clutch of classic cocktails also on offer. Brooke Harlander from Retail Collective Co and Tonic Projects have been engaged to give the corner site a bright and clean makeover, with premium touches like marble tabletops and olive-green furnishings designed to evoke the feeling of a lavish Mediterranean holiday. Keen to know more about MEDÉ Modern Mediterranean before it opens? Be sure to read our recent pre-opening piece!

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