From Yum Cha to Game Bar: Former King of Kings Site to Get Playful Reboot

In 2020, Fortitude Valley foodies bade farewell to King of Kings, the cherished yum cha eatery that was a Chinatown Mall mainstay for over three decades. After plans to revive the large venue at the corner of Duncan and Wickham Streets fell through, the space continued to sit vacant. Until now. 


Read: Chinatown Mall Revamp to Breathe New Life into Fortitude Valley


However, the iconic site is getting an exciting new lease on life under Melbourne hospitality group Ballers Clubhouse.

Set to launch in late 2024, Ballers Clubhouse Brisbane will transform the former restaurant into a high-tech playground for grownups spanning two floors and 1100 sqm. 

Photo credit: Ballers Clubhouse/Facebook

Gaming activities like augmented ping pong, shuffleboard, and karaoke will pair with finger foods, cocktails and other menu options accessible for diverse gatherings.

Photo credit: Ballers Clubhouse/Facebook 

Ballers Clubhouse is designed as a lively hangout spot for friends’ nights out, dates, celebrations and corporate team building alike. Their 2500 sqm venue in the Melbourne CBD is the city’s largest licensed space, equipped with 75 taps, 10 private functions spaces, 15 pimped-up ping pong tables, 6 stand-up shuffleboard among others.

Photo credit: Ballers Clubhouse/Facebook 

The planned expansion doesn’t end in Brisbane – Ballers Clubhouse has revealed plans to bring its high-tech gaming playground concept to Adelaide, Hobart, and Geelong soon.

The concept echoes Pawn & Co, another upcoming adult-focused play spot from the group housing a pawn shop, bar, eatery and perfume counter in Fortitude Valley’s former Laruche complex.

Chinatown Mall may feel King of Kings’ absence, but Ballers Clubhouse looks set to breathe fresh life into this iconic address at the Chinatown Mall. Get ready for the playground to welcome grownup kids once more when doors open later this year in the Valley!


Read: Meet Chef Andrew McCrea: The Man Bringing an Extraordinary Tasting Experience to Perspective Dining


Published 14-February-2024 

Chinatown Mall Revamp to Breathe New Life into Fortitude Valley

Did you know that the iconic Chinatown Mall, nestled in the heart of Fortitude Valley, is about to undergo a million-dollar transformation?



The landmark strip, renowned for its cultural vibrancy, is set to commence rejuvenation works in the coming weeks, with completion expected by May 2024.

It comes as the developer, Tribune Properties Pty Ltd, is also set to receive several new tenancies later this year at the $375-million commercial office tower next door. 

The initiative, which was approved before the pandemic, aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the concrete playground and reinvigorate the commercial space. 

The forthcoming renovation project for Chinatown Mall will introduce several enhancements to the urban landscape. Planned improvements include the installation of three new garden beds, the addition of low-set seating areas, and the implementation of decorative lighting and poles. 

Furthermore, the iconic carp installation will be relocated further into the mall, contributing to the overall revitalisation efforts. With a new commercial office tower already in place, the timing is ideal for enhancing the mall’s appeal and functionality.

The rejuvenation signals a resurgence of activity and interest in the Fortitude Valley precinct. Following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and years of vacant tenancies, the cultural hub is experiencing a renaissance.



As a focal point of the city’s night-time economy and a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, the rejuvenated mall is poised to continue its legacy as a cultural and culinary hub in the years to come.

Published 13-Feb-2024

Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley Brings the Merry Vibe for Chinese Moon Festival

Colours, bright lights and upbeat music will fill Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley this Saturday, the 7th of Sept 2019, as it is time once again to celebrate the annual Chinese Moon Festival.

Some 3,000 years ago, the Chinese Moon Festival was a community gathering during the brightest night of the season to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. It was also a time to celebrate harmonious relationships, good health and new births. 

These traditions have changed over the years as the harvest festival evolved with the times. Nevertheless, modern Chinese and their friends continue to observe the Moon Festival by mounting an all-day celebration that locals in Brisbane will also have the chance to experience. 

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

So, this Saturday weekend, Chinatown Mall will be packed with activities from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For this year, the Chinese Moon Festival will also include Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and Filipino cultural performances: 

4:00 p.m.Dragon dance
4:20 p.m.Opening and welcome
4:30 p.m.Crafty up-cycle earring making workshop (one hour)
4:35 p.m.The Story of Chang’e – Goddess of the Moon
4:55 p.m. Traditional Japanese dance
5:15 p.m.Grandma Yen the Chinese clown
5:30 p.m. Konhou – traditional Chinese harp
5:45 p.m. V-Pop performance
6:05 p.m.Lion dance
6:25 p.m.Tai Chi and Qigong demonstration
6:45 p.m.Judy Chan Chinese and cultural dance
7:15 p.m.PanGoot – Traditional Korean performance
7:35 p.m.Filipino dance
7:55 p.m.SamulNori – Korean percussion
8:15 p.m.K-pop performance
8:35 p.m. Japanese Taiko performance 
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook


An amusing roving entertainment featuring the Three Brothers Parade and Grandma Anna Yen, the Chinese Clown, will also be featured at this event whilst visitors check out the market and food stalls to score unique finds and treasures or taste Asian treats.

Don’t miss out on the moon-shaped structure at the centre of the mall. Guests may write down the names of their beloved on this installation to strengthen their bond. 

This is a free event sponsored by the Brisbane City Council.



Chinese Moon Festival Happening in Fortitude Valley

Chinatown Mall in Fortitude Valley will be lit with Asian-inspired festivities as it celebrates Chinese Moon Festival on Saturday 7 October 2017.

Chinese Moon Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is a full moon festival widely celebrated in by Chinese and Vietnamese people. It is also celebrated across the world, with mooncakes hailed as the main delicacy during the festival.

The festival at Chinatown Mall is a free event that promises to entertain people of all ages. Kids and older folks are sure to enjoy the entertainment in store including lion dances and colourful lantern parades.

Event Details

What:Chinese Moon Festival
When:Saturday 7 October 2017

4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where:Chinatown Mall, Duncan Street,
Fortitude Valley

What to Expect

The festival will not be complete without a lion dance. The festivities will start with a vibrant lion performing acrobatic tricks on high poles.

Adding to the colour will be a unique lantern dance that will be featured during the festivities. At night, a dragon dance will be performed in the traditional palace costume and a dragon prop.

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

The festival will be filled with music, dancing and lively entertainment featuring traditional Chinese, cultural and modern Chinese dances. There will also be a traditional Chinese tea ceremony performed through dance.

Find out more about the Chinese Moon Festival in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.