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.