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Fortitude Valley’s New Tropical Hideout is Perfect for Hiding Away

Tucked away in Fortitude Valley’s urban jungle is a tropical-inspired haven that’s perfect for enjoying a quiet and pleasurable mealtime. Hideout, a cafe, bar, and private function space on Wickham Street, may just be your new secret hideaway.

Serving Bear Bones Coffee Roasters throughout the week, Hideout entices patrons with its generous breakfast choices, including a flavourful avocado on Turkish toast sprinkled with dukkah or a satisfying Breaky Burger with bacon and eggs.

Lunch fares include pecking duck spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, pulled pork bao with carrots, mint, hoisin, cucumber and crushed peanuts, charred chorizo with lime and aioli, and choices of homemade pizza and the absolute must-try — The Hideout Burger with its special sauce!

Photo Credit: HideoutFortitudeValley/Facebook

On Fridays, Hideout extends its trading hours until the early evening for dinner and booze, when the owners turn on the fairy lights to create a relaxing vibe meant for chilling out. The cafe turns into a bar with a carefully curated wine list, cocktails, and craft beer.

During the weekends, Hideout caters to private functions like birthdays, engagement parties, weddings and other events. Owners Victoria and Tim have built this space with private gatherings in mind, especially with the changing pandemic restrictions.

Situated inside A. E. Griffiths’ former battery and service station in the 1940s, Hideout’s location also used to be a brothel and a function space over the years. Victoria and Tim were eyeing this post-war era site for its unique architecture for years.

“We took this enormous leap when this property became available,” the owners said, adding that they also incorporated their love for greenery in the cafe’s design when they opened shop in late 2020. They were specific about the kinds of plants that are around Hideout’s tropical hideaway.

Browse the menu and book for a table via the official site or contact the staff on their Facebook page. You may also phone the team at (07) 3180 3825 for reservations.

“An awesome bar and cafe hidden in the middle of the Valley in what used to be an old mechanic years ago… not that you would know it. The new owners have done an insane renovation and it now has the best laidback jungle vibe. I had beers and a burger the first night and liked it so much I went back for coffee and breakfast the next day while I was still in Brisbane. Burger was on point, beers icy cold and coffee excellent. There is a beautiful tropical garden courtyard hidden out the back – it’s like an oasis full of lush plants. Didn’t want to leave.”
Kaity Michael

“A fresh new go-to in the Valley. If you love good beer, great service and an Instagram worthy backdrop, this place is a must!”
Tess Malcombe

“Honestly, the best muffins in the game right now. This place is terrific and the Baristas are very friendly. Highly recommend.”
Thomas Bowen

Plans Revealed For New Torrens University Campus In Fortitude Valley

Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Torrens University is planning to establish yet another campus in Fortitude Valley, which will sit adjacent to a proposed 29-storey student accommodation tower.

Read: Fortitude Valley Apartment Demand Spikes in Early 2021

A development application (A005787848) submitted by Mount Cathay Pty Ltd to Brisbane City Council revealed the entire project will be done in two stages, with the first one for the redevelopment of the former Waltons department store (also known as the Overell building) to accommodate the new campus; and the second one for the student housing tower.

Aerial view of subject site (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The new campus and tower have been mooted since 2019, but internal issues delayed the entire development. Torrens University has a 12-year lease deal on the property as the anchor tenant of the university component.

Brunswick Street frontage (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The original facade of the heritage building will be retained, but it will undergo extensive internal demolition to proceed with the development of a new Torrens University campus. A public open-air plaza on the former Braggs site is being planned to provide a connection to the site. There is also a proposal to include a link at the end of the laneway connecting to Brunswick Street and the Valley train station.

Meanwhile, the 3,489 sqm complex will include a 29-storey student accommodation tower, though it will not be operated by the university. It would feature an associated office, shop and café uses as well as some basement car parking.

If approved, it will be built at the site of the heritage Waltons department store, which ceased trading in the 1980s and has largely remained in a dilapidated state for decades. Some smaller retail tenancies are accommodated in the buildings currently but to Brunswick Street only.

At present, Torrens University has two campuses in Brisbane –one in Lower Bowen Tce, Fortitude Valley and another in Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley. The main campus is located at the heritage-listed Torrens Building on Victoria Square in Adelaide. If given the go-ahead, the new campus will begin accepting students in 2023.

About the Overell Building

The heritage-listed building was built in 1883 as a small drapery store, owned by business partners William James Overell and Thomas White. When White left the business in 1889, his shares were all transferred to Overell, who expanded the business by adding premises in Queen Street and other stores around southern Queensland.

When Overell’s business grew in 1899, he bought 729.2sqm of land near the corner of Brunswick and Wickham Streets and hired Addison and Corrie to design the site. However, the new premises were destroyed by fire in 1900. Overell hired architects Eaton and Bates to design a replacement building, which featured more light and ventilation, larger departments, three entrances, with shopping on the ground level, furniture and delivery departments in the basement, and a workshop on the upper floor.

The success of Overells continued well into the 1930s and 1940s. In 1953 Overell’s was replaced by Sydney department store Walton-Sears, one of four branches opened in November 1953 as the company expanded into Queensland. Title passed to Waltons in 1956, and the company made significant internal alterations in 1960s and 1970s.

Donna Dyson Nominated For Air Awards 2021

There are people in this world who have chosen to rise above their disability and go on to achieve amazing things in life. One of them is Brisbane’s Donna Dyson, the genius behind Spotty Kites, which has been nominated for Best Independent Children’s Album at Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards of 2021.

Read: Historic Schonell Theatre In St Lucia Spared From Demolition

Ms Dyson was not born blind. When she was two years old, she tripped over and fell onto a cacti, with the thorn going into her left eye giving her a traumatic cataract. That incident left her completely blind in that eye. However, she grew up with her other eye functioning just fine and she was able to do everything that anyone else could, including driving a car.

Then in 2012, whilst she was wrapping presents, everything just went black. It turned out she had a stroke and that left her with legal blindness. Around ten months later, her doctors found an inoperable brain tumour, which has been the cause of her sight loss.

But suffering from legal blindness did not stop Ms Dyson from doing what she loves, which is writing children’s songs. This passion led her to become an international award-winning composer and songwriter. Ms Dyson has written almost 90 music singles with 41 going straight to number one. She has two music labels: Spotty Kites and Dyson & Young, which are both signed globally to MGM distribution.

“After the first stroke I realised I couldn’t speak straight away, but I could sing, create and compose. It just connected me even more with the people for who I write music – kids,” Ms Dyson said.

Her success and talent come from her research-based knowledge and deep understanding that children sing before they speak or read.

Many people may not know it, but Ms Dyson spent the first two decades of her life as a teacher, educator, university academic and lecturer and significantly published author. Specialising in pedagogy, literacy, literature and the arts, she has worked with many organisations as both advisor and advocate.

Her label Spotty Kites, one of the most popular children’s music labels in Australia is one of the five finalists for the Independent Children’s Album category at 2021 Air Awards.

“The songs are much more than fun tunes. Spotty Kites’ is composed to focus upon LITERACY THROUGH MUSIC and STORIES THROUGH SONGS. Every track is developing language, forging neuro links and bringing extensive learning, early childhood literacy development and joy,” she said.

The AIR Awards is known as the Golden Globes of the Australian music industry. This year’s awards night was held virtually, streamed live from AIR’s YouTube channel on 5 August 2021 at 8:00 p.m. Adelaide time. See the results from AIR’s website.

Why You Need to Drive to CJ’s Pasta in Fortitude Valley This Lockdown

To continue serving its customers during Brisbane’s snap lockdown this August 2021, CJ’s Pasta is bringing back last autumn’s massively successful, contact-less lasagna drive-thru service with the new Lasagna Slide-Thru initiative.

CJ’s Pasta Slide-Thru was established to help hospitality workers who lost their income 18 months into the pandemic. Every Saturday at 5:30 p.m., the restaurant will provide free meals to these workers until the supplies last.

The owners said that they have provisions for 100 to 150 meals per week. However, they are hoping to increase the number of meals to give away and this is where members of the community can help.

“All we ask is a $5.00 donation when you come by CJ’s Lasagne Drive-Thru,” the owners said.

CJ’s Lasagne Drive-Thru has resumed as of 4 Aug 2021 with choices of beef ragu, sand crab, and the new item on the drive-thru menu — the black truffle lasagna. All orders come with CJ’s famous focaccia bread. Aside from the pasta, customers may also order the Salumi Box good for two people, which comes with choices of cured meats from Saison Small Goods.

“By providing a free meal, we’re hoping to free up a small amount of cash in the pockets of our community and to raise awareness of the reality that is afflicting thousands of hospitality workers.”

“We understand that a meal is but a drop in the ocean of financial despair, though we’re doing what we can, whilst still keeping our own businesses afloat and our team employed.”

The drive-thru opens at 2:00 p.m. but the restaurant recommends placing a pre-order by phoning 0404 219 757. Follow the Instagram page of CJ’s Pasta for updates.

‘A Midnight Visit’ At Fortitude Valley Promises Thrilling Twists And Turns

Dive into the pink ball pit (Photo credit: A Midnight Visit/Facebook)

Fans of all things spooky and thrilling are sure to love A Midnight Visit, a new immersive theatre coming to Fortitude Valley this month.

Read: Wishart Travel Buff Joins Exclusive 100 Club

Tucked inside an abandoned warehouse called The House of Usher at Robertson Street, this 36-room theatrical playground will tantalise all your senses including the sixth sense as you explore the rooms where the actors play different scenes.

Doors will lead you to surreal environments, including a bloody playground, a sound world, a film set, or a room with a pink ball pit where you can dive in. For the more adventurous, there’s also a creepy hotel in one of the rooms.

The concept is new to Brisbane, but has taken over Sydney, Melbourne and Perth prior to the pandemic and has received positive reviews from audiences and theatre critics alike. All the scenes are inspired by the work of American writer Edgar Allan Poe.

This event will only run for a month starting 27 July 2021. If you don’t want to miss this event, book now at Eventbrite or visit their Facebook page for further updates. Prices of tickets start at $49.

Just a reminder, you must be aged 15+ to attend A Midnight Visit. Audiences aged 15-17 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Fortitude Valley Apartment Demand Spikes in Early 2021

Apartments in the inner-city suburbs of Brisbane, such as Fortitude Valley, have seen a spike in demand in the first four months of 2021, according to new figures revealed by the National Australia Bank.

The financial institution said that lending activities for first home buyers in Australia’s metro markets rose to 13 percent, slowly making city-dwelling popular again.

In Fortitude Valley, the change in lending activities was at a whopping 486 percent. Median prices for an apartment unit in this inner city have landed at around $433,000 for the first quarter. It has risen to $444,225 by 25 June.

According to NAB, city apartments have always been appealing because it’s easy to get around various essentials just by walking. But NAB Executive of Home Ownership, Andy Kerr, said “record low-interest rates and government incentives” have also pushed first home buyers to invest in inner cities.

However, it’s still spacious homes in the outer suburbs that are driving demand in the country’s overall housing market. Regional activity across Australia has risen to an outstanding 84 percent compared to demands for dwelling in the city.

Incidentally, the bank has started accepting applications for its next batches of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme as of 1 July 2021.

Meanwhile, despite the recent snap lockdown affecting Brisbane from July 1 to 3, Fortitude Valley’s market achieved a record sale of the “ugliest house” in the inner-city suburb for $1.535 million.

The home on 43 Arthur Street once belonged to a family for 25 years but the owners have moved to Coffs Harbour to retire. Four buyers were interested in the property, which stands in a great location but the owners closed the deal with the buyer offering the best price before the house was supposed to be auctioned.

New Foodie and Plant Lover Paradise The Green to Open on James Street

In mid-2020, Green Space opened a pop-up shop on James St which quickly became a hit with both plant lovers and foodies. Now opening at a permanent location on the same street, The Green will include a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant conceptualised by an internationally acclaimed designer, with two-time Chef Hat winner Warren Turnbull in the kitchen, plus elements such as an event space and a flower bar!

“Our new location, simply called The Green, will include an even bigger selection of pots, plants and homewares as well as a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, event space and flower bar,” the owners, Angela Sclavos and Christina Habchi, announced in January 2021.

The fitout for The Green, found on 27 James St, has been coming together thanks to the vision of internationally acclaimed designer Borhan Ghofrani, who wants the new space to be more than just a restaurant.

Mr Ghofrani based his designs on the owners’ Lebanese roots and envisions that when visitors step into the new store, they will feel like they are in another world.

“This space will be a surprise to the senses,” the designer said. “Imagine the stunning red hues of the emblematic Cedar wood of Lebanon intertwined with the alluring plant life that locals have come to love about Green Space, but on a much larger scale.”

The Green will feel right at home on James Street’s lifestyle precinct next to establishments like Endota Spa, Alexa Nice, Pottery Barn and Gerard’s Bistro. It will take over the shop formerly occupied by Akira, the fashion label.

“Crafting a space like The Green from the ground up involves a level of reverse engineering. It is a laborious process to deliver design elements engrossed in heritage and history, but it matters, and we are thrilled to unveil the end result to patrons very soon,” Mr Ghofrani said.

Meanwhile, two-time Chef Hat winner Warren Turnbull will serve as the Head Chef at The Green’s kitchen, who will create authentic Lebanese dishes, such as bubbly flatbreads, sweet honey-soaked cheese and crispy homemade falafels, to complement and work cohesively with the restaurant’s design. Mr Ghofrani said that he can’t wait for their guests to have an unforgettable dining experience.

“Without design unity across all components including sights, smells, sounds and tastes, a venue is soulless and lacks the fundamental pillars of a sustainable business due to a lacklustre patron experience,” he said.

Follow The Green’s Instagram account for updates on the opening date this July 2021, the menu, and their store hours.

Stage 2 Story Bridge Adventure Climb Approved Despite Privacy Concerns

Photo credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb/Facebook

Plans for a new climb at the city end of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb have been given the go-ahead despite concerns about privacy.

Read: Artificial Intelligence Hub to be Built in Fortitude Valley

XBrisbane Pty Ltd successfully lodged an application (A005619901) for the project in December 2020 and was granted approval in April 2021.

The proposed development is for a new north peak bridge climb route, viewing platform, and swing out on the Story Bridge. Planning documents also indicate that the climb will consist of 550 steps and will be approximately 60 minutes in duration. Climbs will be undertaken in groups of a maximum of 14 climbers and will be suitable for both daytime and nighttime adventure.

Aerial Photograph Showing General Location of Proposed Activity (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Whilst this is good news for adventure seekers and tourists, residents are worried about losing their privacy once it’s operating. In addition to privacy concerns, other issues raised include road safety and noise.

Ami, a resident of Petrie Point Apartments said the proximity to their building which is located at 100 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley, would mean severe privacy implications especially with the hours proposed and additional noise impacts which are extremely concerning.

“The Howard Smith Wharves precinct has already create issues for our complex with additional noise, people doing inappropriate things around our building and take up all available street parks. If the north end of the bridge is available to the public, our homes will also be invaded by people being able to look at us in our homes directly,” Ami wrote in her submission.

Read: Bianca: A Delicious, New Taste of Italy in Fortitude Valley

In another submission sent to Council, one resident pointed out that application is incorrectly made and should be rejected as an “outdoor sport and recreation” of code assessment as it falls into the activity of “tourism” which requires a thorough impact assessment process.

Proposed North Peak Climb route (Photo credit: developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A town planning report states that the “development is sited and designed to enable existing and future buildings to be well separated from each other to allow for light penetration, air circulation, views, vistas and privacy, particularly for residential towers.”

Once complete, The Northern Peak Climb will operate year-round in all weather conditions other than extreme winds, electrical storms or severe rainstorms. It will open from early-morning to 10:00 pm seven days a week.

Bianca: A Delicious, New Taste of Italy in Fortitude Valley

If you’re looking for a place in Fortitude Valley where you can have great pasta and risotto, wood-fired pizza, and delicious, grilled trout or prawns then look no more! Bianca, the latest Italian restaurant to hit town has it all.

Bianca was opened in late March 2021 by hospitality gurus Frank Li, Bianca Marachi, Tyron Simon and Ben Williamson at the former site of the restaurant Beaux Rumble. This Italian restaurant offers its customers a warm and accommodating space outfitted with friendly and chatty staff who serve delicious meals cooked in wood-fired ovens atop furniture fashioned from timber, red bricks, and terracotta tiles.

Bianca’s designs were created by the local architects Richards and Spence, who strived to give the venue an authentic and warm Italian aesthetic.

Photo credit: Instagram/bianca.restaurant

Bianca’s menu lets customers order classic Italian dishes such as Risotto ai Funghi, a delicious Italian rice-based dish which features mushrooms, however risotto isn’t the only type of cuisine available at the restaurant. People are free to treat themselves to pasta such as Lasagna, or even grilled food from their Griglia section like Rainbow Trout with Salsa Verde, or Gamberi (prawn) with Burnt Butter, Capers and Parsley.

Risotto ai Funghi
Photo credit: Instagram/bianca.restaurant

Ricotta Agnolotti, Fermented Pumpkin, Burnt Butter
Photo credit: Facebook/Biànca Restaurant

Pollo allla Milanese
Photo credit: Facebook/Biànca Restaurant

Customers can also indulge themselves with one of two different set menus, which consist of a series of starters, main courses, and desserts. Among the set menus included starters are Mortadella, Calamari Fritti, Pane di Casa, and Funghi Marinati. Examples of available main dishes, on the other hand, include items such as Lasagna, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra, Prawns Aglio e Olio, and Rucola, Lemon and Parmesan.

Reviewers raved over the restaurant’s delicious food, amazing service, and excellent dining atmosphere.

Had a lovely night for our anniversary. Our waitress took great care of us and we were welcomed with a glass of champagne each upon arrival. The food was amazing, traditional and so, flavoursome. Ben Williamson knows how to tease your tastebuds, say no more, he is a genius. Congratulations Bianca, Ben and the team we can’t wait to come back for more and thank you.🥂
Michael H.

Bianca can be found at 46 James St, Fortitude Valley. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on meals, deals, dates, and other special announcements concerning the restaurant.

Witness a Unique Theatrical Performance at the Judith Wrights Art Centre

Following the announcement of a three-day lockdown in Southeast Queensland, “Seen But Not Her” at the Judith Wrights Art Centre from 1 to 3 July will not proceed. The production is awaiting further advice and updates.

“Our aim is to present current ticketholders with the option to transfer to another date, to obtain a refund, or to support us through a donation of the fee,” the group said. “With the situation as it currently is, we are hoping to still present at least the Saturday performance, but clearly must wait for updates from Queensland Health before we can confirm.”

“Seen But Not Her” pulls together a group of talented Brisbane women for a unique theatrical performance and a celebration of female creativity, where a violinist, cellist, pianist “converse” with a dancer, acrobat and a movement artist through music.

Musicians Cara Tran (piano), Flora Wong (violin) and Francesca Masel (cello) will be playing stirring renditions of songs composed by women, such as like “Piano Trio 11 – 2 Andante” espressivo by Fanny Mendelssohn, “The Mirror with Three Faces” suite by Lera Auerbach, and “Surface II” by Queensland’s very own Nicole Murphy.

Joining them on the stage are Abbey Church (Casus,Polytoxic), Mayu Muto (Casus Circus, Polytoxic, GUSH) and Sandi Woo (Phluxus2, QL2 Dance), who will let the music flow with their graceful movements.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to work with these young women musicians and the beautiful music of these varied women composers,” director Celia White said. “This is a perfect time to be celebrating women’s creativity, hearing their voices, and seeing them take up space.”

Photo Credit: Chloe Callistemon/Vulcana Circus

The show is an original concept developed and conceived by Muses Trio and Bianca Mackail with the support of Arts Queensland and Women of the World (WOW) Australia.

Tickets to this fantastic night of classical music and exquisite movements may be booked online. Please take note that the Judith Wrights Arts Centre will be observing safety protocols to protect the health of the guests, performers and theatre staff.