Fortitude Valley Archives - Page 22 of 26

Why Popular Chinese Eatery in Fortitude Valley Is Closing Until May

King of Kings, the over 30-year-old Chinese restaurant in Fortitude Valley, has been closed to diners since February. Loyal patrons, however, have no reason to worry amid concerns over coronavirus.

The owners of the Chinese-Australian family eatery has set the record straight in a social media post. They announced that shutdown is due to the restaurant’s major renovations and not the speculated COVID-19 disease.

King of Kings will reopen sometime in May. The owners also placed a sign on its entrance to let their customers know that it will be business as usual once the renovations are done.

Photo Credit: King of Kings Seafood Restaurant/Facebook

Major news outlets reported that the closure was due to the coronavirus crisis after Kings of Kings’ phone lines and email access were disconnected in mid-February.

It comes as many of Brisbane’s Chinese restaurants are reportedly experiencing a significant drop in business. The Chinese restaurant communities across Australia have also been reeling from the health scare.

Australia China Business Council head Helen Sawczak appealed to the public amidst the backlash affecting Chinese businesses, especially those in operation in Australia for many decades. She told media outlets that there are millions of Australian citizens with Chinese heritage who have no contact with the virus and those of Chinese ethnicity should not be the target.

Ms Sawczak also said that coronavirus is not a Chinese virus but a global humanitarian crisis. She encouraged the public to still enjoy their Chinese food and “not add to the hysteria.”

Sample the Best of Australian Distilleries at the Ginfused Festival

Love the taste of good old fashioned gin and tonic? Then mark your calendar for a sampling of the best from Australia’s finest distilleries this Saturday, the 29th of February 2020, as the Ginfused Festival returns in Fortitude Valley.

Pig ‘N’ Whistle on Brunswick Street is hosting and celebrating another showcase of glorious ginfused drinks. Expect a variety of mixers and flavours as heaps of local distillers have signed up for this spirited event.

Confirmed to join the Ginfused Festival, so far, are the following distilleries from New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland:

Besides the classic lime mixer, these distillers will be offering unique various tasteful concoctions. Gin and tonic muddled in sorbet or chillies? You’ve got to come to the event to see and taste for yourself!

*Photo Credit: Pig ‘N’ Whistle Brunswick Street/Facebook*

Pair your chosen gin with the perfect match of cheese or cured meats from a pre-purchased set served in a convenient charcuterie board upon registration. If you’re unsure what to get, free cocktail masterclasses will be underway to help you pick the best gin to go with the right type of food.

Sip and nibble on this relaxing weekend as live music plays in the background. But the fun isn’t done after you’ve gulped down all the drink you can have as a raffle draw will take place for some lucky gin lovers to win amazing prizes.

David Jones to Shut Down Luxurious Fortitude Valley Store

David Jones has confirmed it is closing its store in Fortitude Valley. Three years since it opened on James Street, the upscale department store will be shutting down in June 2020.

The site is the first David Jones to close in Queensland. However, a spokesperson said that this decision is in line with its “retail network strategy.”

The department store is optimising its operations as the needs and preferences of customers change. The company insisted that it is still doing OK.

With the impending shutdown, David Jones Fortitude Valley staff will not lose their jobs. Many of the team members have been redeployed at nearby outlets, including the biggest outlet in Brisbane at the Queens Plaza. This store is located some 5-kilometres away from the James Street site.

“We look forward to welcoming Brisbane customers to our QueensPlaza CBD flagship, our new-concept Carindale store and other surrounding David Jones stores as well as to davidjones.com,” the spokesperson said.

In August 2019, the department store’s owner Woolworths Holdings said, through its representatives, that it will be “aggressively” shutting down its physical stores as profits from these stores declined by 42 percent. In contrast, online sales during the second half of 2019 jumped by 61.8 percent, representing 10.4 percent of total sales.

Meanwhile, the outlet in Elizabeth Street in Brisbane City has also successfully contributed to last year’s sales. The site has undergone a massive nine-storey refurbishment, which is due for completion this March.

The Bowery Bids Brisbane Goodbye After 17 Memorable Years

Seventeen years of memorable fun times at The Bowery in Fortitude Valley will come to an end as the owners recently announced they are closing shop. To mark this special, albeit sad day for its patrons, the bar will be hosting a big send-off on Sunday, the 26th of January 2020, its final day of trading.

“We would like to sincerely thank all the people that have made this great bar what it is, the staff, the bands, the DJs and all the customers that frequented the bar throughout its long run as one of Australia’s best cocktail bars,” The Bowery announced on its social media pages.

“The Bowery will be trading as per normal from tonight until Sunday the 26th of Jan. That Sunday we will be holding the official goodbye Bowery party. In which we will send the bar off in style.”

The relaxing and intimate watering hole on Ann Street is credited for moulding Brisbane’s nightlife scene. Patterned after 1920s New York’s dimly-lit dive bars with brick walls and red-leather seats, The Bowery launched in 2003 amidst large-scale drinking venues, which was then the rage in Queensland.

Locals, however, quickly became drawn to The Bowery because of its extensive drink list. The place also provided an easygoing vibe, where both staff and customers could have friendly and pleasant encounters amidst the cool sound of jazz music featuring The Bowery Hot Five.

The site will not be padlocked for too long as Brooklyn Standard and Fat Angel Sports Bar & Grill will takeover in mid-February.

X Cargo Fortitude Valley is Turning Shipping Container into Swimming Pool for Summer 2020

There’s no need to travel far for a fun summer swim as Fortitude Valley’s X Cargo makes a splash with its unique take on summer swimming — a shipping container pool. The open-air, multi-use entertainment venue, located at a former empty parking lot in McLachlan Street, is also launching its first-ever X Cargo Pool Club to help you beat the summer heat.

Beginning 1 Jan until 1 March 2020, the X Cargo Pool Club will open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. X Cargo is turning its Eats Alley shipping container into a swimming pool to allow Valley locals and their guests to make some cool plans and dive into the summer party vibe.

Guests will have the option to rent a Cabana (for group use) or sunbeds (for individual use). Each rental is time-sensitive as X Cargo Pool Club will only accommodate 65 people per session to avoid crowding the party venue.

X Cargo Pool Club Party Packages

Cabana	Sessions
Good for eight people Private waiter and waitress service Towel service Ciroc bottle service Sun packs, including sunscreen	11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. *Strictly a 3-hour session per group
Sunbeds	Sessions
One person per sunbed Towel service	11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. *Strictly a 2-hour session per person

A total of five cabanas and 12 daybeds will be available per session and all guests have access to a private pool club bar with an exclusive menu, a DJ booth and private toilets and change rooms.

Secure your slots online whether you plan to come as a group or soak in the water solo to meet other cool people at the venue. If your group would like the place all to your own for a private party, The X Cargo Pool Club is also available for hire for The Baller package. Inquire about this service by emailing poolclub@xcargo.com.au.

Fortitude Valley’s LONgTIME Restaurant Evolves as sAme sAme

Fortitude Valley’s LONgTIME, a popular Thai restaurant, has evolved into sAme sAme. From its former home in Ann Street, the new foodie spot, which opened in early November, has relocated to the dining precinct on Ada Lane, where its owners hope it will live on with much success as its predecessor.

As they say, it is “same same but different” as the new restaurant‘s core menu pretty much covers the very items served at the old place, such as the lobsters, grilled chicken in lemongrass, crispy pork belly, char-grilled beef short ribs, and curries with coconut and turmeric. However, LONgTIME’s successor will be serving up something new on the menu as well, including some seasonal recipes.

The new restaurant’s open kitchen with a charcoal fire pit is two times bigger than Longtime’s, providing the staff, led by head chef Ben Bertei, with more flexibility to work, operate and cook lighter meals. Unlike LONgTIME, this new foodie spot is serving lunch on selected days so visitors have more options to keep coming back.

Seating is 20 seats fewer than the old digs but the ambience is brighter and lighter with its neutral colour scheme. There’s also a long communal table that works as the restaurant’s centrepiece.

However, unlike LONgTIME, there will be no long queues by the back alley whilst guests wait for a table to clear. Instead, diners can head upstairs at LOS (Land of Smiles), where there’s a comfortable 45-seater bar, to enjoy some drinks before meals. LOS boasts of a long drink list, including tequila, and it’s open until 12 midnight.

sAme sAme is open for dinner from Tuesday through Thursday whilst lunch and dinner are served from Friday through Sunday. Meanwhile, LONgTIME will now be used as an events place for group functions.

“Amazing dinner and service. Took the banquet with matched wines and was blown away. Everything spot on, with the bug curry being out of this world.”
~ Clinton McGregor, Google Review

“Excellent evolution of a staple Brisbane venue.”
~ Jason Roesler, Facebook

Stone & Wood Opens Fortitude Valley Brewery in a Heritage-Listed Site

The former Trails Ltd Ice & Cold Stores heritage-listed site on Bridge Street, Fortitude Valley is now a Stone & Wood Brewery. Officially opening its doors on the 31st of Oct 2019, the famous Byron Bay brewer has 150 seats for the ultimate beer lover thirsting for good-tasting hops.

Stone & Wood Fortitude Valley has the same casual and chill ambience comparable to its first site. As you drink your favourite bottle or glass, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of eats from a rotating selection of local food vendors that will offer food to complement the beer’s taste.

The opening month has kicked off with Mr. Bunz‘s popular crackling pork bao, king brown mushroom bao and peking duck bao.

Stone & Wood Fortitude Valley, however, is not a pub for late-night unwinding with your pals with musicians providing entertainment. It is a purely working brewery for walk-in beer drinkers and there won’t be spirits, TAB and cocktails for sale at this site.

But the venue is spacious enough to hosts community events, private functions, workshops and training. Catering packages will be available by mid-November.

A selection of brand merchandise is also on display for Stone & Wood die-hards.

The site’s opening hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Your Dogs are Invited to a Dogs & Beats Silent Disco in Fortitude Valley

Does your dog like music? Can your four-legged pal groove to the beat? If you’ve got a furry friend who has a penchant for moving and getting up on its hind legs to dance with you, then sign up for the dog-friendly silent disco, Dogs & Beats, that’s rolling in Fortitude Valley this Sunday, the 10th of Nov 2019.

Prohibition Brisbane, a premier party place located at 206 Wickham Street, is hosting its first-ever doggie disco party to benefit the RSPCA. Since it’s a silent disco, presumably with humans wearing the headphones, the loud music won’t be a distraction nor a stressor for the little pooches.

All setup and ready for the dog-friendly silent disco.
Photo Credit: Prohibition Brisbane/Facebook

Have a great time on the dance floor as you shake your groove with your dog. You probably do this at home with your furry pal anyway, so why not dance in the company of other dog owners and get to meet new people (and pets!) of the same interest?

It could be fun to make human and furry friends at this event but you’ll never know until you give it a try!

The Dogs & Beats silent disco will run from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, the event is open to doggos less than 25kg only. The puppers must also be leashed during the event to avoid any incident.

For every Dogs & Beats ticket purchased online, half of the proceeds will be donated to the RSPCA.

Art, Music, Food and Fashion Celebration in Plain Sight at Hidden Lanes Festival in Fortitude Valley

A sweeping celebration of art, music, food and fashion will be underway at The Hidden Lanes Festival in Fortitude Valley on Saturday, the 26th of Oct 2019. This free event will feature over 50 artists who will showcase their talents, ideas and creations to bring heaps of experiences for families and groups to enjoy.

Celebrating Food and Wine

Little Valley Lane, Bakery Lane, Winn Lane, Lucky Lane and California Lane will each have various establishments participating in the food fare for The Hidden Lanes Festival. Led by The Bowery, visitors may enjoy a sampling of gastronomic delights and satisfying meals from Italian, Korean, Japanese and American cuisines.

Celebrating Music and Art

Whilst savouring different flavours, visitors can sit down and chill amidst an abundance of live music. Each lane will also feature different musical acts at stages set outside The Bowery, Phase 4 Records, Laruche, Tym Guitars, The Zoo, Little Valley and at corners of Winn Lane, California Lane and Bakery Lane.

Among the featured musical acts and DJs for this year’s Hidden Lanes Festival are:

The VANNS*
Tyne-James Organ
Boatkeeper
BONSAI
Budjerah Slabb Music
Catalano
Charlotte Emily
CONCRETE SURFERS*
Cry Club*
Demon Days*
Ella Fence
First Beige
Georgia Dutton
Georgie Neilsen and The Growing Pains
Greta Stanley
Harry and Ami Phillips
Jo Davie*
Julia R. Anderson
Karrie Hayward
Krave
Kurilpa Reach
L. Flora
Liv Heyer Music
Manū Music
Mitch Salisbury
Miranda vs. Arizona*
MOON SALOON
Nelipot

O’ Little Sister
Pacific Avenue
Paris Irwin Music
Pink Matter
Rob Knaggs
S.A.B
SAEM.
Selfish Sons
The Beamish Brothers
The Blockades
The Jensens*
The Lighthearts
The Oogars
Wonderfuls
AIMON CLARK (THE CREASES)
BEN CHIU
Dj Black Amex
Flex Cop*
GREAVES
James Rigby
Jawgoh*
LIMINAL GRACE
Lxxx*
MUMGENES
RA*
THIRSTY PAUL
Tokyo Twilight

Some live entertainment and venues are strictly for *18 years old and above. Be sure to show a valid ID in case it will be checked. Look up the schedule of performances so you may be able to plan your visit carefully.

*Photo Credit: The Hidden Lanes Festival*

Aside from the live music, there will also be 19 masterclasses and activities where visitors may learn cookie decorating, dumpling making, or preparing cocktails, among other workshops. Below are the schedule of the classes. You may book a slot in advance online as spaces are limited.

Celebrating Fashion & Style

When you’re done eating, drinking or joining the activities, you can unwind and do some retail therapy or pampering at the fashion and beauty establishments participating at The Hidden Lanes Festival. So you can cover a lot of ground, check out this map to chart the stores you’d like to visit for discounts and deals.

Celebrating the Laneways

Do you have out-of-town guests you’d like to bring to the festival? Sign them up for the Heritage Tour or put your name on the list if you’d like to learn the interesting origin and development of Fortitude Valley’s Laneways. This guided walk will bring you to the oldest preserved commercial buildings in Brisbane, which were built around the 1800s, including an apothecary and one of Brisbane’s longest-running music venues.

The Hidden Lanes Festival is a FREE event. No need to pay for an entrance or masterclass fee. The events begin at 10:00 a.m. and end late in the night.

David Jones Weathers Speculations About Fortitude Valley Operations

Australian upscale department store David Jones signed a long-term lease to deliver a unique shopping experience in one of the Fortitude Valley’s best shopping strips. However, as Australia is under a retail recession, David Jones has reportedly struggled to grow its revenue two years since opening on 10 James Street.

David Jones has gone through its second writedown since 2018, as South African owner Woolworths Holdings Limited witnessed its value shrink from its $2.1-B acquisition in 2014 to just $965 million. The writedown does not bode well for the beleaguered retail giant, particularly in light of Australia’s retail recession.

Speculations are rife that the company is “recalibrating operations” at its Fortitude Valley store, although the company has not made any comments on such reports.

David Jones opened its Fortitude Valley store with high hopes of delivering a very different shopping experience in a vital precinct.

A spokesperson from Woolworths said that operationally, their strategic initiative is to position the store as the “retail environment of the future.”