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Iconic T.C. Beirne Co. in Fortitude Valley Reopens

Following its remarkable restoration, T.C. Beirne & Co. in Fortitude Valley will open its doors once again on October 2018.

The revitalisation of the heritage-listed building on Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley includes the return of the famous T.C. Beirne signage on one of Brisbane’s most historic buildings.

Joint venture partner David Mann said the T.C. Beirne department store, built in 1902, underwent several expansions over the years and still remains a household name in Brisbane.

David Mann Photo Credit : Supplied

“For decades people knew T.C. Beirne & Co. as the place to shop for fashion,”  Mr Mann said.

“Now returned to its former glory, the heritage listed T.C. Beirne & Co. is bringing premium dining and retail back to the heart of The Valley,” he added.

History of T.C. Beirne & Co.

Photo Credit : Supplied

Irish retailer, Thomas Charles Beirne was the founder and director of the T.C. Beirne department stores. He became one of Queensland’s wealthiest businessmen and remained active in the business right up until his death in 1949.

In 1956, T.C. Beirne & Co. in Fortitude Valley was sold to David Jones who continued to trade before closing in 1973.

The iconic building located at the heart of Fortitude Valley was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 29 April 2003.

T.C. Beirne & Co. Restoration

The building’s historic features such as the Brunswick and Duncan Street façades and exposed original columns as well as the striking glass atrium have been magnificently showcased by award-winning design studio Hassell.

Photo Credit : Supplied

The contemporary ground floor, designed by Buchan Group architects, creates inviting linkages between the Brunswick and Duncan Street Malls.

Photo Credit : Supplied

Set to open in October 2018, this much-anticipated retail space has already attracted major dining and leisure tenants including the Beirne Lane bar and restaurant and Brisbane’s first B. Lucky & Sons delivering a complete entertainment experience.

Read: B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley: Coming Very Soon

Photo Credit : Supplied

Furthermore, 11,000 sqm of the upper-level commercial space is already open for business and is now home to a number of leading tech and innovation tenants including Croomo, Clui, Genie Solutions along with the State Government’s The Precinct innovation hub.

 

Prost At Oktoberfest 2018 in Bowen Hills!

Get ready, beerheads because this year’s Oktoberfest 2018 is almost here in Bowen Hills! On 5-7 October and 12-14 October, be part of this year’s popular Bavarian celebration at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Expect a bierzelt (Oktoberfest’s iconic beer tent) at the event where you can enjoy great German beers. Traditional stalls will be present as well and of course, an amazing line-up of live entertainment will keep the adrenaline pumping.

Delicious Chows, Perfect For Your German Beer

Don’t miss out on yummy schnitzels and brezel (pretzel), because what is Oktoberfest without these popular German food staples? Kick off the first weekend of this free-flowing beer festival by having an authentic Bavarian breakfast of delicious sausages paired with a Brezn and sweet mustard. Then, go through the entire weekend feeling like a true local German in the city!

For those with a sweet tooth, grab yourself a Kaffee and Kuchen (coffee and cake), Germany’s version of “afternoon tea.” There will be a wide range of sweet cakes to choose from such as Black Forest, Sarcher Torter, Apple Strudel and many more.

Kinder Fun!

Your children will not feel out of place here as there is also entertainment and activities for them to enjoy at the KinderZone. Traditional Kasperltheater Puppet Show will keep your kids entertained whilst on the two Sundays of the event, your kids are entitled to FREE RIDES ALL DAY!

There will also be baby animals to care for along with various activities such as face painting.

Bavarian Entertainment

For that authentic Oktoberfest experience, the line-up of live entertainment involves the Bavarian Oompah band, the Münchner Baum, Heide the Yodeller and Alpenrosen Dance Group.

Miss Oktoberfest Brisbane

Choose your Fraulein and see if you can pick the winner from amongst the line-up of beautiful ladies out to showcase not only their beauty but also their strength and most importantly their German knowledge.

Other Competitions

If you’re feeling competitive, you can participate in the Beardmeister and the Bavarian Strongmen to earn instant street creds. If you’re not joining any of these competitions, make sure to watch them. Aside from the fun factor, they’re a great way to learn more about German culture.

Drinks Line-Up

As if delicious handcrafted beers that strictly follow the guidelines set forth in the German Purity Law of 1516 are not enough, there are also German and Australian Wines, champagne to try and enjoy. Soda, water, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available at the festival.

For over ten years, the city has been celebrating Oktoberfest. In fact, it has become the country’s biggest German Festival with thousands of people attending the festival each year. The festival is from German-Australian festival directors Kim and Boris Zoulek.

Get your tickets here.

Prost!

Hong Kong Inspired Eatery at Howard Smith Wharves to Open in December

Stanley, a Hong Kong inspired eatery at Howard Smith Wharves will open its doors in December 2018.

The new project of Andrew and Jaimee Baturo will surely boost the dining experience in the much-awaited lifestyle precinct. The couple is not new to the food industry since they are also the owners of the renowned Libertine in Petrie Terrace.

Andrew Baturo is also the co-owner of DAP & Co, who operates The Gresham and Walter’s Steak House, Popolo, and Heya Bar.

Read: Howard Smith Wharves Reveals Bars and Restaurants Signing on

Andrew Baturo and Interior Designer Anna Spiro working together on-site. Photo credit: Howard Smith Wharves/Facebook

Stanley will transform the heritage-listed former water-police headquarters back to life. This will be done with the help of the famous Interior Designer Anna Spiro. The design will feature a fusion of modern design and traditional Chinese elements such as hand-painted screens and porcelain.

The Hong Kong-inspired Chinese restaurant will be serving dishes by renowned chef Kym Machin. Their menu will include an array of seafood dishes, Peking duck, roast pork belly, and crispy-skin chicken.

Whilst the highly anticipated Hong Kong-inspired eatery will be open in December, you can already enjoy hanging out in the precinct a month earlier as Felons Brewing Co opens its doors in November 2018.

Read: Felons Brewing Co to Open 1000-Square Metre Brewery and Gastropub at Howard Smith Wharves in November

Howard Smith Wharves will open in late 2018. Photo credit: Howard Smith Wharves/Facebook

With the selection of world-class restaurants plus the development of a 5-star luxury boutique hotel, an exhibition centre, and over 2.7 hectares of public open space, Howard Smith Wharves will certainly be a game changer in the tourism industry of the city.

Sugar Republic in Fortitude Valley Opens This September

It’s going to be a sweet, sweet September in Brisbane with the opening of Sugar Republic in Fortitude Valley.

Following their successful and sold-out event in Melbourne, Sugar Republic is set to conquer Brisbane. This 23 September and for a limited time only, Valley Metro will overflow with Sugar Republic’s art installations that are sure to remind you of your sweet childhood memories.

Photo credit: Sugar Republic‎/Facebook

Experience jumping out of giant birthday cakes and climbing inside super-sized gumball machines. There’s also a swimming-pool-sized pit of pink balls, swing inside a fairy floss room, the Wheel O’ Treats and lots  more!

Fairy floss swing
Photo credit: Sugar Republic‎/Facebook

There will be themed rooms with art installations paying homage to our beloved sweets, candies, and desserts. Relive your fun childhood with sherbet-filled rainbow bridge, a pink-on-pink installation, and a larger-than-life traditional lolly shop you could play in. Other exciting themes include the interactive sprinkles wall ‘press for confetti’ button and Australia’s first neon art wall.

Neon art wall
Photo credit: Sugar Republic‎/Facebook

Sugar Republic is a pop-up sweets museum by Creative Nation Australia. They collaborate with local artists and creatives to stage fun, interactive, and nostalgic attractions for every sweets-loving individuals to enjoy.

Read: Sip Wine and Paint at Brush & Barrel in Fortitude Valley

Whilst Sugar Republic is meant for grown-ups, children are also welcome to experience the attractions. Kids aged 2 and under will get free entry. If you prefer, however, to enjoy the fun with fellow adults only, Sugar Republic also has night sessions starting at 6:30 p.m.

Of course, a tour of Sugar Republic candy museum is certainly not complete without photos. So, take as many photos as you can. Fill your social media feed with gorgeous photos of your  fun-filled encounters from each of the mind-blowing installations

Plus, visitors will be treated to a few tastings which may include ice cream, lollies, and fairy floss. Sweet!

The lolly shoppe
Photo credit: Sugar Republic‎/Facebook

Read: El’rosa Gives James Street a Rosier View

Tickets are now on sale. Ticket prices are $35 (General Admission), $29 (Children aged 12 and under), Free Admission (Children aged 2 and under).
Buy Tickets

Valley Metro Centre, 230 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley: Coming Very Soon

B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley is bringing back the nostalgia starting this 27 September.

Adults will soon be having their fill of fun retro-games and cocktails when B.Lucky & Sons opens its doors in Fortitude Valley. The site of the new grown-up arcade-inspired bar is the historic TC Beirne Building on Brunswick St.

Credit:B. Lucky & Sons/YouTube
Upon entering through a pawn shop facade, there lies the neon-lit adult playground filled with classic arcade games. Players can try their luck and collect ticket prizes by playing games like Mario Kart, Space Invaders, In the Groove,  NBA Hoops, and Whack N’ Win. Lucky winners can claim and pick their vintage collectables like Chanel handbags and Nintendo 64s at the prize parlour. Game prices range from $2-$5.

B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley
Photo credit: B.Lucky & Sons /Facebook
B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley
Photo credit: B.Lucky & Sons/Facebook
B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley
Photo credit: B.Lucky & Sons/Facebook
B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley
Photo credit: B.Lucky & Sons/Facebook

The night of fun and games will certainly not be complete without food and drinks. B.Lucky & Sons Fortitude Valley has got you covered with their “East meet West” food menu at the cocktail lounge.

Some of the featured drinks:

  • The Tarotino –  Smirnoff Vodka, coffee and chocolate liqueurs with almond and taro served in a gold-rimmed glass.
  • Don Billy – Don Julio Blanco Tequila, white chocolate liqueur, and a punchy passion fruit puree shaken with egg white. Topped with white chocolate.
  • Mai Tai – Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold Rum, Plantation Original Dark Rum, Cointreau, and almond syrup shaken with lime.
  • Ginger Spice – Old English punch bowl filled with Captain Morgan Spiced Gold Rum and lashings of cinnamon whiskey with a touch of caramel and apple.
The Tarotini

Some of the featured stone baked pizzas and sides:

  • Tellin’ Porkies – Slow braised pulled pork, stir fried vegetables, sweet soy, a sesame.
  • Somethin’ Fishy – Crispy wonton skins, bonito flakes, prawns, mushroom, sweet soy, and sesame and chives.
  • Pot Luck – Crumbed chicken, red capsicum, sweet and sour sauce,pineapple, and coriander.
  • Pretty Green –  Avocado, kimchi, pine nuts, tabasco, basil, sundried tomatoes, corn, and lime.
  • Sides – such as prawn crackers, spring rolls, samosa, dimsum, chicken and mushroom dumpling.
Pretty Green


B. Lucky & Sons TCB Building, 315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

Parma for a Farmer: A Relief Campaign for Drought-Stricken Farmers

As farmers are still reeling from the effects of what is called the “worst drought in living memory”,  pubs and clubs across Australia are heeding their call for help through the Parma for a Farmer campaign.

Amanda Kinross, an English expatriate who with her Australian husband moved to Australia 25 years ago, came up with the idea for a fund-drive that she called “Parma for a Farmer”.

Whilst reading and watching news coverage of the drought, Ms Kinross was moved by the image of a farmer who had to put down his starving livestock yet could not even afford bullets.

Photo credit: PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay

Ms Kinross launched the campaign through the “Parma for a Farmer” Facebook page and was quickly picked up by a local radio station. The initiative has since caught the attention and support of dozens of venues across Australia.

Read:  Common Ground in Negotiations to Secure Its Second Site in Fortitude Valley

The Australian Hotels Association has also expressed their support for the fund drive calling pubs nationwide to jump on board as well. The “Parma for a Farmer” campaign will have registered pubs and clubs donate to the ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign, one dollar for every chicken parmigiana that they sell.

Photo credit: Jodie Matthey‎/Facebook

So, what happens to your donations? The funds collected will be used to buy hay that will be shipped to the affected farmers to feed their livestock.

Here is a breakdown of your donation in action:

  • $20 buys a small bale of hay and helps transport it to the affected areas
  • $60 buys 3 x $20 gift cards to help put food on the table
  • $100 buys a large bale of hay
  • $500 buys 5 large bales of hay
  • $1000 buys 10 large bales of hay
  • $5700 buys a single-trailer load of hay
  • $9500 buys a semi-trailer load of hay and transport it to an affected area. (up to 900 km)

For venues who would like to get involved with this campaign, you may check out the Buy A Bale webpage, The Parma for a Farmer Facebook page, or email parmaforafarmer@gmail.com.

Valley Fiesta Returns to Fortitude Valley

Valley Fiesta, Brisbane’s biggest street party, returns to Fortitude Valley with an event-filled five-day stretch that promises to deliver a diverse line-up of music, theatre, and cultural events put on by more than 500 performers.

The 22nd edition of Fortitude Valley’s flagship festival offers extended days of live entertainment from Wednesday, 29 August to Sunday, 2 September 2018.


Credit: Brisbane City Council/YouTube

Fortitude Valley is already known for having excellent venues for great food and parties. For this event, the streets, malls, and laneways of the Valley will be packed with live music,  theatre and arts performances, art installations, and so much more.

Read: A Tropical Retreat: X-Cargo Is Opening In Fortitude Valley

According to Lord Mayor Graham Quirk , Brisbane City Council’s revamped Valley Fiesta expects to welcome up to 65,000 fans to 48 local venues for the festivities.

“Council is committed to creating more to see and do, and with critically-acclaimed shows, larger-than-life projections, flashmobs, laneway parties and inflatable art installations, the new-look Valley Fiesta is set to be one of the stand-out events on this year’s cultural calendar,” Cr Quirk said.

“Valley Fiesta will once again provide a fantastic platform for Brisbane’s emerging creative talent, with Le Coup Cabaret nightly headline shows as well as live sets from Thelma Plum, Seaside, Sweater Curse and local favourites The Steele Syndicate, Gabriella Cohen and The Jensens,” he added.

Photo credit: Valley Fiesta/Facebook

The 2018 program includes a variety of live entertainment such as live music, performance, food, workshops, and visual arts across three laneways and different venues. Highlights include the Brunswick Street Mall Main Ring, which will host free entertainment daily including Le Coup Cabaret, a high-flying performance by Brisbane’s own contemporary circus troupe Company 2.

Photo credit: Valley Fiesta/Facebook

Since its first launch in 1997, Valley Fiesta has been showcasing the best of Brisbane’s music and arts scene by providing a platform for the city’s emerging musical and creative talent.

Most events in the Valley Fiesta are free but some require pre-booking or tickets. Check out the complete line-up of events to see individual event listings. For more information about the event, you may visit the FAQ page of the official Valley Fiesta website.

Valley Fiesta is just one of more than 50,000 festivals, events, and markets that the BCC helps to deliver each year as part of their commitment to creating more leisure and lifestyle opportunities in Brisbane. More lifestyle precincts are about to make waves in the city this year with several venues set to open in the coming months.

Read: Felons Brewing Co to Open 1000-Square Metre Brewery and Gastropub at Howard Smith Wharves in October

 

Three Sundays Of Vegan Ramen Goodness At The Coop In Fortitude Valley

Heads up, vegans!

On 19 August, make sure that you grab the chance to eat a delicious and vegan bowl of ramen by i like ramen in partnership with The Coop Bistro in Fortitude Valley.

The good news? There will be three Sundays when you can enjoy good vegan ramen. Mark the dates:

  • 19 August
  • 26 August
  • 2 September

They will be open for both lunch and dinner.

What To Expect

Enjoy bone-free broths such as white miso and spicy kimchi topped with all the vegan stuff that you can think of from bob chow to roasted tomatoes.

There will also be side dishes such as the sour cream & onion seasoned panko-crumbed mushrooms served with a tangy Asian slaw in a soft roll.

Why don’t you pair your ramen with a delicious glass of wine? There will be a specially curated list of natural wines that you can choose from.

This is the first time The Coop will open its doors on a Sunday for over a year.

Only walk-ins will be accepted for this event. However, large groups with eight or more persons are encouraged to email hello@thecoopbistro.com.au for seating arrangements.

Address: The Coop, 388 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD

El’Rosa Gives James Street a Rosier View

Thinking of the perfect place for your next event, or perhaps, a new place to hang out whilst you have a cup of coffee? The new El’Rosa by Arc + Family on James Street in Fortitude Valley will surely brighten your day and help you get into the pink of things.

Husband and wife Ash and Ben Keily, who both design and sell pots, are the two geniuses behind Arc + Family. All the work used to happen in their home studio in Morningside until they finally decided to open their own showroom plus its newest addition, the events & cafe place that now seems to be the talk of town.

With its generous splashes of pink, the place would be hard to miss. Located in the courtyard behind Arc + Family, the venue can host events, bridal showers, engagements, and all other private parties.

Photo credit: El’Rosa / Facebook

Pink has always been the colour of choice for Ms Keily, a former make-up artist and self-confessed fan of the shade. Choosing pink as the anchor for the place’s colour palette, and even its name, was a no-brainer. The idea is to make El’Rosa the place for pink, pots, picks (cactus), and plants in the city.

When it is not being used for a private event, it is open to the public. Everyone is welcome from Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. — the whimsical, airy ambience and steaming cup of delicious coffee make for a great afternoon off from your daily bustle.

Following their successful launch in June, El’Rosa has become a place to see, be seen, and yes, the place to be if you want some interesting snaps for your ‘gram. Insta-worthy, indeed, as regulars would attest.

Address: 85 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

A Tropical Retreat: X-Cargo Is Opening In Fortitude Valley

After months of waiting, locals will soon witness the much-anticipated opening of the latest food and party destination in the Valley. Mark the date: 28 July 2018.

The Social Hub X Cargo on McLachlan Street in Fortitude Valley will welcome you to a tropical paradise. Boasting of summer-y vibe enhanced by tropical terraces, the multi-functional space will offer a number of bars and dining areas.

Expect a dedicated area for all of your local food truck favourites at the site’s very own food truck alley. With a stack of shipping containers acting as the venue’s pièce de résistance, your morning coffee runs and night catch-up with friends will become more relaxed and fun.

Not only will X Cargo cater to anything that you can put in your mouth, it is also set to bring entertainment such as an outdoor cinema and boutique events.

On the ground, you will feel welcome at their main beer garden, The Lawn, which features a 40-foot bar and entertainment area. The Eats Alley will also be on the same area. Their kitchen, cafe space, and the Palm Lounge can be found need the street front.

The upper levels will feature the shipping containers converted into something that mimics a house booth with seats, high tables, and lounge areas with wonderful views.

The Lookout will also provide you with views of the McLachlan Street Strip and The Lawn, whilst The Flamingo Lounge will overlook the Eats Alley.

The kitchen will be headed by the former chef of The Meat & Wine Co in Melbourne, Peter Popow. The food will focus on American cuisine mixed with Cuban flavours. The cafe will open early for your morning coffee and a selection of tasteful pastries. Of course, there will be a dine-in option.

The bars will keep the drinks flowing with a wide selection of liquor, from beers, to wines, and to tap cocktails.

X Cargo will be the first of its kind in the city.