It took owner Donna Harrison six weeks to complete a floor-to-ceiling transformation the former Bin 12 venue, taking it from a cavernous, dimly lit space into what is now a bright and welcoming neighbourhood eatery and bar. Its luminous-white interior, shaped with local custom-made seating and timber furniture, features a gleaming gold-trimmed, cement-topped bar that runs the length of the venue – diners can grab a spot up here for a peek at the bar’s action, or nab a street-side table to enjoy views of bustling James Street with a margarita in hand.

As you can gather by the name, here it’s all about bar bites – though, what’s on offer is far from your run-of-the-mill booze-friendly snacks. While there are still hand-held eats like truffle and pecorino shoestring fries and moreish charcuterie plates available, the menu leans more toward refined and eye-catching dishes like pressed confit lamb with pea puree, charred fetta and truffle, bourbon and maple-glazed pork belly with apple puree, crumbed mozzarella with honeycomb, and sous vide chicken breast with chorizo dust and corn. Behind the bar, there’s local and Australian tap beers, an evolving menu of classic cocktails and an extensive cellar list to sip your way through. Donna, a Burleigh local, also owns artisan deli Golosi Emporium at the top of James Street, which she purchased and took over in February this year. Expect to see some crossover between her two venues, with items like cheeses, cured meats, antipasto items, fresh bread and other deli goodies stocked in her nearby gourmet wonderland to be heavily utilised across the Burleigh Bar & Bites menu.

Burleigh Bar & Bites is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening hours and contact details.