Brisbane blossoms with new eateries

Brisbane, host city for the 2032 Olympic Games, is booming with the recent opening of several new eateries.

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Visit Brisbane have provided as list of what is hot and happening:

SAN TELMO

Brisbane City

Bringing its celebrated Argentine steakhouse style to Brisbane, San Telmo (above) has opened in the CBD with a space inspired by the dining rooms of 1960s Buenos Aires. Think plush booths, vintage chandeliers and low lighting. The menu is built around premium Argentine-style steaks cooked over fire, with larger cuts made for sharing. The menu features ceviche, empanadas and grilled king prawns before the meaty main event. he drinks list leans into Argentina, too, with wines, cocktails, craft beers and aperitivos.

DON GINO

West End

Bringing a taste of Sicily to West End, Don Gino has transformed the former Bar Hugo site on Hardgrave Road into a neighbourhood trattoria and wine bar. Sicilian chef and owner, Marco La Perna draws on generations of family recipes and hospitality, with a menu centred on simple southern Italian cooking and premium imported produce.Expect Sicilian favourites including panelle, arancini, fried calamari and mussels Siciliana, alongside hearty pasta dishes. The drinks list keeps the Italian spirit going, with more than 30 Italian and Sicilian wines, along with classic cocktails and imported soft drinks.

EON

Brisbane City

Japanese dining gets a late-night edge at Eon, a new addition in the heart of Brisbane's CBD. The menu honours traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern touch. The food is matched with cocktails with the experience designed to stretch well beyond dinner. It's a sleek new spot for lingering late into the night.

ELOISE & LOU PATISSERIE

Fortitude Valley

Classic French baking has landed in Fortitude Valley with Eloise & Lou, a new patisserie from pastry chef Adrien Marcinowski, formerly of Rise Bakery. The Wickham Street bakery takes a 'back to basics' approach, with Adrien returning to the traditional French techniques that shaped his career. Expect handcrafted patisserie and viennoiserie; buttery pastries and French classics. Coffee, too. 

BISTRO TINO

Fortitude Valley

The team behind Mosconi has opened Bistro Tino in a restored World War II era hangar in Newstead, aiming to bring the feel of a European neighbourhood bar to Brisbane. Designed as an all day eatery, the space draws inspiration from Italy's local corner bars. The menu keeps things simple, moving from breakfast into lunch with dishes including pan con tomate with yellowfin tuna, Italian sausage with silverbeet and butter beans, bifana rolls and market fish. Pastries and $2 standing espressos are a drawcard. 

INTERMISSION

West End

The team behind West End Electric has launched Intermission, a new bar and dining room on Boundary Street inspired by the glamour of London's West End. Cocktails take cues from classic candy bar treats with the Choc Top Martini, Popcorn Sour and Malt-Pleaser. Pair them with burrata, peach and prosciutto loaded crisps or loaded toasties. There's a secret door connecting Intermission directly to West End Electric for ticket holders.

PARKLANDS SOCIAL

Spring Hill

Spring Hill's newest opening aims to bring a slice of New York to Brisbane with a neighbourhood bar and grill inspired by the delis and dining institutions of the Big Apple. Located near Roma Street Parkland, it offers everything from morning coffee to long dinners. Think dishes like matzo ball soup and a Reuben stacked with house-made pastrami. The drinks list keeps the New York theme going with classic cocktails and signatures like the Spicy Vodgarita. 

ILO BAKEHOUSE

Wynumm

Wynnum's waterfront has a new addition with Ilo Bakehouse the latest concept from the team behind Sister, Butter and Alby's. The Scandinavian-inspired bakehouse sits opposite the foreshore in a design-led space. The pastry offering is kept deliberately tight with 12 items at a time, including sourdough croissants, orange and cardamom buns, miso butterscotch almond croissants and seasonal specials.

Sounds like BrisVegas might be worth a gourmet trip. 

Merchant banks on booming Brisbane trade

 

The Brisbane hotel scene is hotting up ahead of the city hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. 

The newest cab off the rank is the Radisson Hotel Group opening The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the heart of the city. 

The Merchant marks the debut of the Radisson Individuals brand in Queensland and follows a complete revamp of the budget former Turbot House Hotel. 

Inspired by the trading heritage of the historic Roma Street markets, the contemporary 58-room boutique hotel promises to "combine distinctive local character, personalised service and modern comfort" close to corporate, government, cultural and entertainment precincts.

Located on Turbot Street, The Merchant Hotel is within, walking distance of Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City Hall and Roma Street Parkland, with South Bank, Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre also easily accessible.

"The opening of The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, represents an important milestone for Radisson Hotel Group in Australia and introduces Radisson Individuals to Queensland for the first time," said Radisson regional COO Tim Cordon. 

"Brisbane continues to grow as a dynamic destination for business, events and leisure travel, and this distinctive boutique hotel brings together a strong sense of place with the flexibility and global reach of the Radisson Individuals brand. 

"We look forward to welcoming guests to an experience that feels authentically connected to the city." 

There are four room categories: Urban Rooms, Urban King Single Rooms, Standard Rooms and Superior Rooms. Many offer city views.

The Lounge is a social hub for both hotel guests and visitors, while communal spaces include flexible lounge areas and hot desks equipped with charging ports. 

For bookings and hotel details, visit The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, on RadissonHotels.com

* To celebrate the hotel opening, guests can save 20% when booking directly for stays until December 20. The offer is available for bookings made before October 31.

Coonawarra vignerons hit the road again

One of Australia's most popular and longest-running wine events hits the road again. For the 23rd time.

The 2026 Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow will bring the flavours and stories of Coonawarra to wine lovers across the country, from a spring Sydney Harbour wine cruise and an inner-city tasting with panoramic Melbourne skyline views, to a relaxed beachfront afternoon on the Sunshine Coast.

Backed by a close-knit community of passionate producers - from multi-generational family wineries to innovative new players - the Roadshow continues to champion the depth, diversity, and distinction of medium-bodied Coonawarra wines.

Emma Raidis from Raidis Estate (above) says the Roadshow is one of the highlights of the year for Coonawarra producers.

"We love the Coonawarra Roadshow because it's about so much more than pouring wine," she says.

"It's about meeting people face-to-face, sharing a laugh, telling our family's story and showing why we're so passionate about Coonawarra.

"Seeing the enthusiasm people have for our region reminds us why we do what we do, and we always leave with new friendships and great memories."

Tickets include event entry, souvenir Riedel wne glass, three hours of unlimited wine tastings, complimentary food offerings and the opportunity to meet the makers  

You'll find all the details here: https://coonawarra.org/coonawarra-wine-tasting-roadshow-2026/

How the Olympic Games can boost Queensland produce

Queensland should use the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games to showcase regional foods, an academic paper released this week says.

Mooloolaba prawns, Sunshine Coast macadamias and Granite Belt olive oil on the menu at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could create lasting value for local businesses and communities, a University of Queensland report says.

Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy from UQ’s Business School and Lead of the Innovation Pathways Program at Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) says in the the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper.

“Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games is far more than a catering challenge - we want to showcase Queensland’s clean, nutritious and distinctive produce,” Professor McColl‑Kennedy said.

“The Games are a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to highlight Australian innovation, strengthen supply chains and deliver a legacy for how food is produced, distributed and experienced.”

The report aims to capitalise on bolstered tourist numbers.

As well as expected peaks in domestic tourism to the Brisbane 2032 Games, the white paper recommended identifying food trends among consumers and making Australian produce the star of the meals.

“We could use Queensland-caught seafood on sushi and serve mezze platters with Emerald’s chickpeas, an array of vegetables from the Lockyer Valley and native finger limes,” McColl-Kennedy said.

“Identifying food consumption trends is key to success, such as consumers being more health-conscious and wanting to know where the food is coming from.

“As well as food that tastes good, many consumers want personalised food experiences so a simple meal of freshly caught fish overlooking a river at sunset can be special.

“By planning early, Brisbane 2032 can balance innovation with ethics, personalise food experiences and build resilient systems for producers, consumers and communities long after the Games are over.”

The report recommends collaborations with Indigenous communities to support the production of native produce, as well as the broader agricultural industry to address worker shortages and resourcing challenges.

UQ vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO said Brisbane 2032 gave Australia a powerful platform to build long-term sustainable partnerships across government, industry and the education sector that would define the legacy of the Games.

“Universities are home to some of Queensland’s best thinkers and problem solvers - in areas as diverse as food systems, health science, urban planning and sustainability,” Professor Terry said.

“With the right investment and coordination, decisions made now can deliver a stronger, more resilient food system that delivers benefits for regional development and industry capability well beyond 2032.”

The white paper is intended to inform industry stakeholders, policymakers and Games planners as preparations for Brisbane 2032 continue.

Read the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper on the FaBA website.

Meet a new limited-edition gin with a purpose

Fancy an Easter tipple that could help save one of Australia's iconic native animals? 

Meet a new limited-edition gin with a conscious. 

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has teamed up with Brisbane-based craft gin distillery BY.ARTISANS ahead of the Easter holiday to launch Burrow & Bloom. 

Sales of the gin will support efforts to save Australia's beloved but threatened Greater Bilby, also affectionately known as the Easter Bilby.

The bilby has suffered population declines since colonisation and the introduction of feral cats, the primary driver of native mammal extinctions and ongoing declines in Australia.

While once found across the country, there is now only an estimated 10,000 bilbies remaining in Australia, with around 3,300 individuals living inside six of AWC’s feral predator-free sanctuaries. 

“Burrow & Bloom was designed to reflect the landscapes the Bilby depends on,” said Alexander Bell from BY.ARTISANS. 

“We’ve used a foundation of classic gin structure, layered with native desert botanicals like roasted wattle seed, saltbush, desert lime and lemon myrtle, to evoke arid soils, dry air and nocturnal foraging. A gentle rose infusion softens the profile as a subtle nod to Easter, without losing the austerity of the desert.”

Each bottle sold will contribute $48 to AWC to support bilby conservation and habitat protection across AWC sanctuaries. 

A maximum of 1,000 bottles of Burrow & Bloom will be produced, at full release, equating to $48,000 in sponsorship support for AWC, and the protection and management of wildlife sanctuaries across Australia.

You can find out more here. 

Image: Judy Moosmueller

Brisbane says cheers to a new sports bar and eatery

 

Brisbane sports lovers have a new destination with the opening of Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen. 

The venue offers modern Australian bistro dining and sports energy in a new space at Newstead’s Gasworks Plaza. 

It is the latest venue from from local industry heavyweights Hallmark Hospitality and will feature electronic dart boards, pool tables and televised live sports. 

With a wood-fired oven as the kitchen’s centrepiece, executive chef Jason Flett has created a seasonal menu. 

“At its heart, Gas Hound serves classic pub fare but we’re elevating it with premium ingredients and beautiful presentations,” Flett said.

“We make everything from scratch - for example, hand-crumbing and pan-frying our chicken schnitzels - to give our food that extra bit of love and attention.

“About 50% of our menu will be cooked over flame in the wood-fired oven, including our steaks, to 
open up more flavour and add a touch of smokiness.”

Hallmark Hospitality director Cade Hopman said that Gas Hound’s drinks menu pairs premium spirits with modern twists on classic cocktails. 

“Highlights include the punchy Sure Fire, a tropical, ginger-spiked Margarita, the crisp and savoury Steel Tip martini, and Deep Pocket, a rich, slow-sipping take on an Old Fashioned,” Hopman said.

“Our cocktail and drinks offering is crowd-pleasing, designed to suit everything from casual catch-ups to big nights."

The revamped venue was formerly home to retro supper club Maggie May. 

Image: Markus Ravik

Puppetry magic to shine at QAGOMA

Love The Muppets and Sesame Street? You might want to make a date with Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art later this year.

A new exhibition exploring the storytelling The Jim Henson Company will run exclusively at QAGOMA from September 12, 2026, until April 18, 2027.

‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ will offer "an immense and immersive journey" through the creative process behind some of Henson's cherished characters. 

Founded by Jim and Jane Henson in 1955, the company has left an indelible imprint on entertainment, education and popular culture globally as seen in the much-loved series Fraggle Rock and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, the treasured fantasy worlds of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, the iconic characters of the Muppets, and the residents of Sesame Street.

‘Unparalleled in scope, the exhibition will celebrate The Jim Henson Company’s extraordinary legacy, highlighting the specialist work of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop - creative studios in New York and Los Angeles where artists and makers revolutionise the art of puppetry," said QAGOMA director Chris Saines. 

‘The Gallery is privileged to be working closely with The Jim Henson Company, whose influence on generations of storytellers continues as a family-led force pioneering contemporary puppetry for screen and stage.’

In a world-first, the exhibition will include the Great Hall set from the Emmy Award-winning television series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, taking audiences behind the scenes of a working puppeteer’s film set.

A curated film program in the Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque will showcase productions developed by the Company and brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Across GOMA’s ground floor, ‘Make, Believe, Magic’ will explore the craftmanship of The Jim Henson Company’s creatures, the art of their performance, and new directions for puppetry supported by digital technology.

The opening weekend of ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’, coinciding with Brisbane Festival in September, will feature special discussions, performances and screenings. Exhibition tickets go on sale from June 1.

For more info see www.qagoma.qld.gov.au

Date clash a serious stuff up for Hobart's winter tourism industry

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is extremely quiet for virtually every weekend of winter.

Hotels have empty rooms; restaurants bemoan empty tables.

So the announcement on November 3 that crowd-pulling Dark Mofo, Australia's mid-winter solstice festival, would return to Hobart from Thursday June 11 to Monday June 22 universally welcomed.

Alongside the festival’s large-scale public art installations, will be live performances and exclusive musical acts.

Dark Mofo 2026 will also include familiar rituals: Winter Feast, Night Mass, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Hotels will be full; bars and restaurants heaving.

That only leaves a dozen other weekends when Hobart's tourism operators would welcome some help from other events.

What a wasted opportunity then that after the hapless Tasmanian Government paid a million dollars for Richmond to play one home AFL game in Hobart in 2026, the AFL last week announced its fixture list.

Sure enough, the AFL chose Sunday, June 14, for the Hobart match between Richmond and reigning AFL premiers Brisbane.

Accommodation will be at a premium; many flights will be full with Dark Mofo attendees and any remaining seats will be priced stratospherically.

So who stuffed up? Jane Howlett, minister for tourism and events will plead ignorance. Dark Mofo will say it had announced its dates well in advance.

The AFL, one of the most arrogant sporting bodies on the planet, is unlikely to give a damn.

There will be two victims. The Tasmanian tourism industry. And interstate fans of Richmond and Brisbane. Just another stuff up. A shrug of the shoulders, Just move on.      

Famous old pub is back with new flavours

It's all change at Queensland’s oldest licensed pub. 

After being closed for over a year of renovations, The Grand View Hotel at Cleveland has just reopened its doors. 

First established in 1851, the Brisbane region pub has undergone a $6 million transformation and will put a focus on food cooked with fire. 

From the signature rotisserie to a Josper Grill, every dish is designed to celebrate flavour and flames.

The menu showcases wood-fired pizzas, fresh house-made pastas, premium seafood, and elevated pub grub, paired with cold pints and coastal views. 

The Grand View overlooks North Stradbroke Island and its new look features upgraded spaces, expanded capacity and revitalised kitchens and bars, all while aiming to retain the venue’s heritage (shown here in 1993).

Highlights include a purpose-built function marquee, an upper dining terrace and a pet-friendly lawn to increase he venue’s versatility for weddings, celebrations and community gatherings.

The "state-of-the-art" kitchen features Australia’s largest rotisserie oven, a Josper rotisserie grill, and an Italian rotary pizza oven. 

There are also new beer lines, and multiple service points, including a dedicated outdoor bar. 

The heritage-listed hallway and Cleveland Room remain untouched but the pub will offer live sports on a large outdoor screen, music Thursday–Sunday, a kid’s play area, and outdoor seating by the bay. 

There is also, sadly, a gaming room, TAB, and Keno. 

Kickon Group CEO and founder Craig Shearer said the project reflects both legacy and the future.

“The transformation is not just a facelift, it’s a safeguard for one of Queensland’s most historic venues, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the community and a place where new memories continue to be made,” Shearer said.

“We can’t wait to welcome locals and day trippers alike back to the Grand View for a cold beer, great food, and the kind of amazing hospitality that turns a visit into a lasting memory.

“The Grand View isn’t just a pub–it’s a part of Queensland’s story, and we’re proud to keep that story alive for generations to come.”

You can check out more info at https://gvh.com.au/

Brisbane's northern suburbs to welcome new hotel

The Olympics are coming and Brisbane is bustling ahead.

Brisbane’s northern suburb of Chermside is set to welcome its largest hotel in February, 2026, when the Adina Chermside Brisbane is scheduled to open.

The 148-room new-build property, operated by TFE Hotels and created by Limitless Developments, owned by local developer Nick Barr, has seen construction completed with the project now moving into the interior fit-out phase.

“The signing of Adina Chermside Brisbane is a significant milestone for TFE Hotels, providing an opportunity for us to expand our Adina Hotels’ footprint from two hotels to three in the powerhouse state of Queensland,” says TFE Hotels’ Group Chief Operating Officer Chris Sedgwick.

“Adina Chermside brings our home-grown hotel brand to this important suburb, and our casual living philosophy - with kitchens and laundry and flexible spaces, fills a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital.

"Adina Chermside brings a homegrown hotel brand to this important suburb, filling a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital.

"Significantly it also represents an incredible opportunity to maximise on the incredible decade of transformation that lies ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Barr says: “We are a home-grown developer who understands Brisbane’s inner north intimately, and we’re confident that Adina Chermside will become the flagship hotel for this burgeoning part of the city.

“We are excited to partner with TFE Hotels - an Australian-born company and experienced hotel operator – to bring this future-thinking development to life.

“The Chermside area is transitioning, and we anticipate that the demand for quality corporate, travel and health-based accommodation needs in the area will only continue to increase in the next five to 10 years.”

Brisbane's Italian festival returns after eight years

One of Queensland’s best loved cultural festivals is making a comeback after an eight-year absence. 

Festitalia will return to Brisbane this Father’s Day, Sunday, September 7, transforming the RNA Showgrounds into an Italian-flavoured playground. 

“With a brand new home at the RNA Showgrounds, Festitalia is back with all the things we’ve missed: dancing the tarantella, pizza acrobatics, Nonna’s Kitchen stalls, opera singers, traditional folk bands, and so much more," says spokesman and former politician Santo Santoro. 

 "Festitalia is more than a festival - it’s a love letter to Italian culture. It’s a day that captures the sights, sounds, and soul of Italy – right here in Brisbane.”

This year’s program features entertainment ranging from opera to folk music; traditional dancers, theatre and acrobatics.

And, of course there is the food. Think wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, espresso bars, fine Italian wines, gelato carts, and food stalls dishing up regional specialties. 

Attendees can explore a petting zoo or vintage Italian car displays. 

Santoro said the Italian community has been a vital thread in the social, cultural and economic fabric of Queensland.

“From the post-war migration boom of the 1950s and ‘60s to today’s proud Italo-Australian families, Italian Queenslanders have made enormous contributions to agriculture, construction, cuisine, small business, and the arts," he said. 

"Towns like Stanthorpe, Ingham, and Brisbane’s inner north echo with Italian heritage - in the vineyards, the delis, the churches, and the kitchens. 

"But beyond the visible, it’s the values – family, community, hard work, and allegria – that continue to shape the state. Events like Festitalia don’t just celebrate Italy; they celebrate the strength, legacy and ongoing influence of one of Queensland’s most passionate and tight-knit cultural communities.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.festitalia.com.au

Image: Valeria and Aliandra Calabrese ready to celebrate on September 7. Supplied.  

New Brisbane venue with a view goes for gold

There's a new hot spot for dining with a view in Brisbane.

The Summit Restaurant has just opened at Mt Coot-tha and boasts spectacular vistas.

The new venue is a multi-million-dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed site overlooking the 2032 Olympic Games city.

Think a dining room in the heritage building, a brewpub-style public bar, and a veranda with those panoramic views across Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay.

The food will be modern Australian using Queensland ingredients, including Elliott Heads spanner crab, Daintree barramundi and Longreach organic lamb - alongside ingredients grown on-site.

Queensland hospitality heavyweight Kym Machin, renowned for his time at acclaimed Brisbane institution Urbane, is the driving forced in the kitchen.

 


“With this menu, we wanted to tell a story of place, showcasing the best of Queensland while exploring our diverse climates, regions and native ingredients,” Machin said.

“When you’re standing at The Summit, you can see for miles - from the city to the bay and out to the hinterland - and we wanted the menu to reflect that sense of scale and beauty.

“In a destination as iconic as this, it’s essential that we celebrate and represent the growers, producers and communities who make Queensland so special. It’s not just about great food; it’s about creating a genuine connection to this land and the people who shape it.”

Menu highlights include Goldband snapper with wild garlic and native ginger; roast duck smoked over paperbark; as well as almond-fed pork with pickled apples, and pumpkin agnolotti with candied shoots.

There will be two tasting menus ($79 and $99), while the Bar Share menu highlights dishes like goat cheese puffs, lamb tacos and beef and beetroot tartare.

Mantle Group founder Godfrey Mantle said the opening of The Summit represents a major milestone for the group.

“The Summit is one of the most unique dining sites in the country; beautiful by day
and absolutely spectacular at night,” Mantle said.

The opening of The Summit Restaurant marks the first step in Mantle Group’s broader vision for the Mt Coot-tha summit, which includes concepts for a two-level Pavilion venue, a boutique gin distillery and a cultural tourism experience that will honour the mountain’s rich history and significance.

The Summit Restaurant is open seven days from 11am. See summitbrisbane.com.au

Quick change in Brisbane as the Hilton becomes an InterContinental

There will be a rapid turnaround in Brisbane as the Olympic city bids farewell to Hilton and hello to InterContinental.

IHG Hotels & Resorts and ISPT ahave announced the upcoming opening of InterContinental Brisbane.

The InterContinental Brisbane will open in late June following the signing of a long-term management agreement with ISPT, a leading property funds manager and developer of the150 Elizabeth Street precinct where the hotel is located.

The property is currently being converted from the former Hilton Brisbane.

Located in Brisbane's CBD on Elizabeth Street, it is the only hotel in Australia designed by the renowned architect Harry Seidler.

InterContinental Brisbane will undergo a two-year transformation.

Once complete, it will feature 321 guest rooms, many with views across the Brisbane skyline. The hotel will also boast four restaurants and bars and feature conference and events facilities.

Cameron Burke, director of fevelopment, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We knew it would take a special property to bring our iconic InterContinental brand to life in Brisbane and are incredibly proud to partner with ISPT in support of the rejuvenation of this incredible asset and we look forward to creating an indelible beacon of hospitality for Brisbane.

“The Brisbane hotel market, and south-east Queensland region, is entering a golden era fuelled by transformative infrastructure projects, a booming tourism sector and the countdown to the 2032 Olympics.

"With record investment and a surge in both corporate and leisure demand, the region is fast becoming Australia's most dynamic hospitality hotspot.”

InterContinental Brisbane will open as the third InterContinental property in Queensland, joining InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort.

IHG currently operates 21 hotels within its luxury & lifestyle segment, with five properties in the pipeline, spanning its InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo brands.

Australia's popular wine and cheese party is back

One of Australia's most successful gourmet events, Mould x Pinot Palooza, is returning in 2025. 

The showcase of outstanding cheeses and stellar pinot noirs from across Australia and New Zealand, will return its food and wine tour to Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in 2025. 

Bad news, however, for Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, who miss out this time around. 

These will be the first Mould x Pinot Palooza events since the departure of event founder and guru Dan Sims, so the pressure will be on the Revel Global team to match the excellence of previous years. 

The dates will be May 23-25 at the John Reid Pavilion at the Showgrounds in Brisbane, July 4-5 in Melbourne at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton and August 9-10 at the Silver Jubilee Pavilion at the Claremont Showgrounds  in Perth.

Pre-sales open today for previous party goers with public tickets available from tomorrow. 

Organisers boast: "From the creamiest brie to the stinkiest blue, the prettiest Yarra Pinot and robust Central Otago - we’ve got you covered."

Tickets are $59 plus booking fee and include unlimited tastings at featured stalls, plus a complimentary cooler bag, wine glass and tote.

See https://pinotpalooza.com.au/

A Brisbane weekend for gin lovers

 

Planning to spend some time in Brisbane over autumn? Enjoy a tipple or two? 

Here is a date for your diary: April 4-6. 

Brisbane Gin Festival returns for its fourth year but is now at the more spacious Exhibition Building, Brisbane Showgrounds, allowing more gin lovers to join the celebration. 

Around 50 of Australia’s best distillers will showcase their finest creations with 11 brands making their festival debut and a selection of favourites returning. 

Among the newcomers, festival-goers can look forward to are: Bunker Distillery (NSW), The Matilda Distilling Company (QLD), Sip & Banter Distillery (QLD), The Rare Orchid Distilling Co. (QLD), Three Wise Men Distillery (NSW), Island Coast Spirits (TAS), Western Queensland Spirit (QLD), Hobson’s Distillery (VIC), Liquidus Distillery (QLD), and Temple of Juniper (VIC).

Favourites returning include The Farmers Wife Distillery (NSW), Prohibition Distillery (SA), Ester Spirits (NSW), The Gin Boutique (ACT), Nosferatu(QLD), and Taylor & Smith (TAS).

Each guest will receive complimentary Long Rays tonic and soda and the festival will also feature a selection of food vendors. 

The Drunken Farmhand’s range of artisan sauces, pickles, chutneys, and preserves, made with locally grown produce, will also be on sale. 

There will be masterclasses, as well as free 10-15 minute sessions at the Taste Theatre, where distillers, Long Rays mixers, and Schibello Coffee will share their insights into the world of spirits and mixers.

The Brisbane Gin Festival is organised by the Australian Gin Distillers Association Inc. 

For more info visit ginevents.com.au.

The perfect side trip from the Gold Coast beaches

 

Summer visitors to the beaches of Queensland's Gold Coast are being urged to take a side trip to the vineyards of the nearby Granite Belt.

Local tourism operators say the Granite Belt Wine Country's combination of cool summer nights, farm-fresh produce and natural beauty offer a contrast to the glitter strip. 

Nestled on the Great Dividing Range, the Granite Belt is emerging as a summer escape for foodies, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts. 

Under a three-hour drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or Byron Bay, the region offers an alternative to the summer heat of the coast.

"Granite Belt Wine Country isn’t just about incredible wine - though we have that in abundance," said Chris Nolan, president of Granite Belt Wine & Tourism. 

"It’s about the cool, fresh nights you won’t find anywhere else in Queensland, paired with seasonal produce, iconic national parks, and cosy accommodation that feels like a home away from home."



The average nightly January temperature drops on average to 4-5 degrees cooler than Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

For nature enthusiasts, the Granite Belt boasts Girraween National Park, known for its dramatic granite outcrops, wildflowers, and wildlife.

“Summer has been amazing on the Granite Belt, we’ve had an incredible influx of tourists to the region all loving the cooler days and nights, low humidity, as well as seeing the vineyards blooming with life,” said Adam Penberthy, owner of the Ballandean Pub and Dear Vincent Wines.

“The pub has been bustling with out-of-towners coming in for a meal after a day exploring or swimming in our epic water holes, cooling off with a cold beer.

“At the cellar door, we’ve been amazed at how busy the summer season has been. Guests have loved our summer release wines Sunshine and our Pink Fizz Pet Nat, perfect for a long lunch under the shade of the 100-year-old olive tree.”

For more info about planning a Granite Belt getaway visit the Granite Belt Country website here.

Images: Georgie Lillis

Meet a new artisan gin with a uniquely Australian flavour

An animal sanctuary and a boutique distillery may seem unlikely bedfellows but Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and  Brisbane’s newest craft distillery and lifestyle brand BY.ARTISANS, this week announced the launch of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Eucalyptus Gin.

The innovative spirit comes from the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary and is made using eucalyptus leaves, turning waste into a luxe spirit.

Each day, eucalyptus leaves are hand-harvested from Lone Pine, with the freshest leaves reserved to nourish the koalas, while the remaining foliage, previously destined for composting, is given a second life.

BY.ARTISANS harnesses these leaves to craft a drink that "captures the essence of Australia’s natural heritage while supporting koala conservation".

From today, the Eucalyptus Gin will be available exclusively at BY.ARTISANS’ flagship store in Brisbane's West End, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s gift shop and online.

A press release says that 5% of all proceeds will be donated to registered wildlife charities and research groups focused on koala studies and wildlife conservation.

“The koala is an iconic species, but their habitat is under constant threat due to urbanisation and deforestation," said Lone Pine general manager Lyndon Discombe.

"Eucalyptus is vital for koalas, being their sole source of food. This collaboration with BY.ARTISANS helps raise awareness of the challenges koalas face and supports conservation efforts."

Ginn Lai, co-founder of BY.ARTISANS, who conceptualised the project, said: “We wanted to give these eucalyptus leaves a second life, and through this collaboration, we’re telling the story of koalas, the importance of eucalyptus as their lifeblood, and how something as simple as a leaf can be transformed into something extraordinary.

"It’s a celebration of this remarkable native botanical while giving back to the community to help safeguard the future of koalas.”

See www.lonepinekoalasanctuary.com and www.byartisans.com.au.

Minor Hotels snaps up rights to major Brisbane development

 

Bangkok-based Minor Hotels, one of the world’s fastest-growing global hospitality groups, has expanded its Australasian portfolio by announcing the signing of the management letting rights for the landmark Queen's Wharf Residences development in Brisbane.

The residences open early next year and are being marketed as "a new benchmark for urban tourism in Brisbane".

Queen's Wharf Residences, the tallest tower within the Queen's Wharf precinct, is a 64-storey development that redefines the skyline of Queenland’s capital - a future Olympic Games host city.

The property features one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with balconies and winter gardens equipped with lift-and-tilt windows, allowing guests to enjoy Brisbane’s subtropical climate year-round.

The design of the tower reflects the soft curves of the Brisbane River.

Guests will have exclusive access to amenities including a pool, spa, steam room, theatre, leisure lounge room and gym, as well as direct access to the precinct’s entertainment options, hotels and dining options including Sokyo, Fat Noodle and Cherry and spectacular views from the Sky Deck.

“Highly sought-after, Queen’s Wharf Residences has become Queensland’s fastest-selling development, offering more than just a place to stay, but an unprecedented benchmark in urban tourism for Brisbane.” said Lauren Sheldon, head of sales and marketing in Australia for property developer Far East Consortium.

“The scale of this project demanded a management partner with unmatched expertise to offer the premium management guests of Queen’s Wharf Residences will expect, and Minor Hotels’ extensive experience in property management across Australasia and beyond instils us with confidence that they are the ideal partner to deliver on this promise."

Craig Hooley, COO for Minor Hotels Australasia, said: “We are excited to add such a landmark Brisbane development to our portfolio, offering a product unlike anything the city has seen before with respect to size and scale, and proximity to Brisbane CBD’s most exciting dining and entertainment precinct.

“Given our extensive experience managing over 550 properties globally, including 11 existing properties in Brisbane CBD, we are well-equipped to manage this pioneering development which further establishes Brisbane’s position on the world stage as a global destination for entertainment, leisure and tourism.”

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating in 56 countries, operating brands including Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow Hotels, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and Oak Hotels and Resorts.

Minor Hotels, founded by US businessman William Heinecke in 1978, is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s biggest group for independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

Brisbane gets a distillery with a difference

Lovers of free spirits - and artisan spirits - in Brisbane have a new venue to put on their radar: BY.ARTISANS. 

It sounds like they are shouting, but BY.ARTISANS is billed as a distillery and creative retreat in the inner suburb of West End. 

Opened this week, the Jane Street space is home to tasting rooms, a bar, café, event space, opportunities for interactive workshops and experiences and a retail space with local products.

Co-founder Ginn Lai said BY.ARTISANS was born to bring together brands, artists and creators to craft world-class, Queensland-made products.

“The name BY.ARTISANS reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, shining a light on the artistry and dedication behind every creation,” Lai said.

“There are no shortcuts - each product is hand-made in small batches with carefully sourced ingredients and a focus on quality.”

The opening of the flagship space coincided with the launch of an inaugural product, BY.ARTISANS Signature Gin. 

Co-founder and distiller Alexander Bell said the Signature Gin blended the native botanicals of lemon myrtle, cinnamon myrtle, lavender, wattle seed and the refreshing minty note of eucalyptus, capturing the essence of Australia’s landscape.

Bell, a chemical engineer, designed BY.ARTISANS’ still to use considerably less energy and fewer resources, making the distillery one of the nation’s most energy-efficient.

“This is a first-of-its-kind distillation system, capable of producing not only spirits but also a diverse range of essential oils and hydrosols from local botanicals,” Bell said. 

“What sets our distillery apart is its versatility. We use the same equipment to produce spirits of exceptional quality as we do to craft lifestyle products such as bespoke soaps, candles and natural dye merchandise - all while minimising our energy and resource use.”

BY.ARTISANS Signature Gin’s white bottle (above) is designed by co-founder and brand director Alexander Lotersztain. 

The bottle’s silicone sleeve, custom silicone cap and modern, minimalist white design aim to showcase artistry and collaboration.

“This is a blank canvas because we want this aesthetic to encourage community collaborations," Lotersztain said. 

"There are already strategic partnerships in the works with artists we admire, but we also want to support the undiscovered so would love to hear from emerging local artists too.” 

BY.ARTISANS is at 99 Jane Street, West End. See byartisans.com.au

Images: Florian Groehn 

Renowned chef to lead a dance into the future

 

Food and dance are not natural bedfellows but I am told that a renowned chef is set to link up with the Queensland Ballet.

The Thomas Dixon Centre in West End, home of Queensland Ballet, the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute and Ausdance Queensland, ise set to name a famous chef to oversee its culinary offerings. 

VenuesLive, the new hospitality partner for the Thomas Dizon Centre, says it is "ready to create an exciting new dining, function and event destination in Brisbane".

Managing director Daryl Kerry said VenuesLive was committed to delivering world-class culinary experiences in Thomas Dixon Centre’s dining and event settings.

“Our vision is to curate immersive experiences across all spaces, elevating the overall ambiance and creating lasting memories for all who visit,” he said.

VenuesLive says it will partner with "a celebrated Australian chef"  to create "a stunning new restaurant experience" for Brisbane. 

The centre’s café will feature innovative menus in line with culinary trends while prioritising locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, a market section will offer artisanal products, baked goods, take-home meals, and high-end grab-and-go items.

VenuesLive also aims to bring Thomas Dixon Centre to life as a venue for a variety of events, from corporate functions to private celebrations, with a new function and events menu offering. 

“Our approach very much focuses on customisation and collaboration to suit our clients’ specific needs and preferences," says Kerry. 

"But the creative foundations of Thomas Dixon Centre, with its spectacular rooftop terrace with city views, a dramatic theatre and unique event spaces gives us the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences along with culinary excellence.” 

Queensland Ballet chair Brett Clark said the partnership will enable Thomas Dixon Centre to be activated as a cultural, lifestyle and foodie destination, offering a distinct and memorable experience. 

“When we designed Thomas Dixon Centre, we placed people at its core. Yes, our artists and arts workers but also others who might be interested in a living, breathing home where creativity thrives,” he said.

“In the arts, we’re all about connecting with emotion and experience. Welcoming VenuesLive now means that we can deepen that experience within our own home. This immersive experience is what we hoped to be able to provide for as many people as possible.”

A building that started its life as a shoe factory in 1908, the Thomas Dixon Centre has been transformed into a world-class performing arts destination and cultural precinct. It features a state-of-the-art 350-seat theatre, rooftop terrace, public art and multiple function spaces, as well as dance studios, a wardrobe workshop and arts’ workers spaces.

I’m assured the chef will be named soon.