Ben’s Burgers West End
In case you haven’t heard the news, late last week The Bleachers in West End announced it has joined forces with its little big brother Ben’s Burgers to create Ben’s Burgers West End. We know what you’re thinking – what about my beloved fried chicken burger?! Don’t stress pals, in addition to Ben’s Classic, Cheesy and Veg burgers, the Boundary Street joint will have a couple of West End exclusives, including the fried chicken burger, fried chicken side and soft serve. Despite losing the name, you can still hang on the bleachers in the back bar, although the drink offering has changed up to introduce Ben’s house-made cherry cola, ginger ale and iced tea (spiked or not) as well as some new milkshakes including choc peanut butter and salted caramel. Tap beers will be Stone & Wood and good-ol’ XXXX Gold if you fancy an ice-cold Milton mango, or you can sip on cocktails such as tropical rum slushies, plum negronis and picklebacks. The merge is due to the unprecedented success of Ben’s UberEATS launch, which means it will be easier to get that burg you need no matter what side of the river you’re on.

Madame Rouge Bar + Bistro
We’ve long been wondering what would become of the space that once housed Gordita on McLachlan Street in Fortitude Valley, and we finally have an answer! The coming days will see the opening of Madame Rouge Bar + Bistro, a dark and moody space inspired by the candle-lit old-style bistros of France. Madame Rouge comes from Mary Randles, wife of e’cco bistro’s Philip Johnson, and will offer French-style fare such as steak frites and traditional roast chicken alongside a curated selection of cocktails and predominantly-French wines. The bar and bistro is due to open this Sunday November 27 for lunch – we’ll have full details for you next week.

Craft Beer and Grill
The next piece of the Trafalgar Lane puzzle has been revealed, with Craft Beer and Grill set to open in the new Woolloongabba precinct in the coming weeks. The laid-back eatery will specialise in meaty dishes such as steaks, burgers and ribs, as well as a churrasco barbecue offering. Craft Beer and Grill will be joining the The Priory Kitchen, Ristorante La Famiglia, Ribs and Burgers and Lola Coffee soon – keep an eye on The Weekend Edition for more soon.

If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected]