Pavement Whispers: Volume 253 December 17
From news of new neighbourhood wine bars and an inner-city laneway dining hub from one of the city’s best restaurateurs, The Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know. When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out …
Commercial Road Public Bar
We know, we know – Christmas isn’t even here yet and we’re already onto 2020. What can we say? The future is bright! Newstead locals will be the recipients of a brand-new neighbourhood bar early next year, when Commercial Road Public Bar opens in mid-to-late January. The brainchild of owner-operator (and member of the Lucky Duck Club crew) Kyle Weir, Commercial Road Public Bar will be a relaxed and informal wine bar focusing on accessibility and local appeal. The 11-year hospitality veteran – who most recently could be seen working at Little Big House in South Bank – is putting customer satisfaction first, with a menu of eats and drinks that offers something for most tastes. Guests can expect a big wine focus, including a strong representation of natural drops, as well as cocktails (including a low ABV range), craft beers and nibbles influenced by European summers (think pizza, light snacks and larger fare such as pasta and steaks). As for Commercial Road Public Bar’s decor, Kyle is taking a uniquely abstract approach, employing textures and materials commonly unseen in a hospitality setting, applied in subtle ways. The 200sqm space (located behind No. 68 Cafe) will boast space for roughly 65 patrons, and is shaping up to be a go-to haunt for discerning drinkers looking for a top-notch experience outside of The City and The Valley.
Metro Arts
Brisbane City-based creative institution Metro Arts is on the move. In news announced late last week, it was revealed that the organisation will be leaving its long-standing home at 109 Edward Street in anticipation of a move to a fit-for-purpose premises at West Village in West End. Metro Arts will remain at the Edward Street site until Tuesday March 31, hosting its 40th birthday celebrations and farewell festival before officially opening its new home on Wednesday April 1. The 680sqm premises is set to comprise a new underground theatre, two galleries, two rehearsal rooms, access to an outdoor event area and dedicated office space. The net proceeds of the Edward Street building sale (settled on Friday December 13 after a competitive tendering process) will be used to establish the Metro Arts Future Fund (MAFF), which will help fund artist development, the production of new work, and initiatives to foster and grow local audiences.
Comuna Cantina
It’s been a massive year for local restaurateur Tim Johnson, but even the looming Christmas break isn’t enough to force him to slow down. The flames of excitement surrounding the recent openings of South American-inspired bar and eatery Comuna Cantina, Italian restaurant Corbett & Claude and Tetto Rooftop Bar at Everton Plaza have barely died down, and Tim is already hard at work on his next project. Next year will see Tim and his team launch a new Comuna Cantina location in Brisbane City, this one located at the base of The Annex on the corner of Creek Street and Elizabeth Street. The venue is projected to be a larger format interpretation of the concept, which already boasts a location on Albert Street. The development will coincide with an overhaul of Tim’s inner-city Corbett & Claude location, which has been operating on Elizabeth Street since 2015. The two venues will share a forecourt space, creating a chic dining spot spanning internal and external laneway dining, with a mix of booth seating, lounge, and bar spaces. Comuna Cantina is expected to open around Easter next year. Stay tuned for more details!
The Tinsel Bar
Be still our beating childlike hearts – the doors of the South Brisbane glittery wonderland that is The Tinsel Bar are sadly closing. The Rachel Burke and Maris Cook pop-up collaboration has seen its fair share of Instagram shoots, raging bingo nights and colourful cocktail parties since popping up in October. Keen to relive your childhood? You have until Sunday December 22 to make your way through the tinsel-laden doorways and test out the nostalgic menu which boasts fairy bread, Frosty Fruit frappes and bolognese toasties.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival
In case you missed the news last week, the Sunshine Coast’s pre-eminent foodie extravaganza – the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival – has revealed its jam-packed program. The festival, which takes place from May 14–17, will be pairing choice Noosa restaurants with world-class chefs, creating an itinerary of must-attend experiences and parties. Next year’s roster of visiting chefs and local producers include the likes of Dave Verheul (Embla), Alanna Sapwell (Arc Dining), Louis Tikaram (Stanley), Ben Bertie (sAme sAme), Shane Bailey, Ben Pollard, Scott Pickett, Miguel Maestre, George Calombaris, Carlo Cracco, Guy Grossi, Andrea Ravezzani, Rishi Naleendra, Peter Kuruvita and many more.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].
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