Gerard’s Bistro Appoints New Executive Chef, Will Introduce New Menu and Revamped Look Soon

There will be a lot of new things in store for customers of Gerard’s Bistro when it reopens in October, after an extensive revamp to give it a new look and a new menu, thanks to Jimmy Richardson, its former Head Chef who now returns as Executive Chef with some Michelin creds under his toque.



Jimmy Richardson culinary stints include working at Leonard’s Bar & Bistro, Shangri-La Sydney’s Altitude Restaurant, The Bridge Room Café Paci, The Tilbury, and Annata.

Whilst his new menu is yet to be revealed, Chef Richardson will focus on more traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly those coming from the Levant region, but with a modern twist. He will also bring some Persian influence into his menu, thanks to a stint at a Lebanese restaurant and his Persian brother who introduced him to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Gerard’s Owner Johnny Moubarak expressed confidence that Chef Richardson’s culinary creativity will shine once the new menu is revealed. He said that his Executive Chef understands the history, flavour and structure of the dish very well which gives him confidence to innovate and give it a fresh twist.

Gerard’s Bistro was temporarily closed to undertake a major renovation, as executed by designer and architect Jared Webb. The refurbished venue will sport a minimalist design with the kitchen letting the woodfire and charcoal cooking take centre stage.



The venue commenced renovations in June and is scheduled to reopen in mid to late October. It first opened its doors 11 years ago and has established itself as one of the finest and most influential restaurants in Brisbane.

Published 26-September-2023

Revamped and Ready: Riverland Receives $3.5 Million Makeover

Riverland has reopened on Eagle Street in Brisbane, after undergoing a $3.5 million transformation to offer an enhanced drinking and dining experience.



Riverland’s revamp includes a remarkable 800-sqm deck extension, which has become its most impressive feature. The riverfront venue now offers a sprawling three-tiered deck, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 guests. 

The venue’s transformation shines with its impressive 800-square-metre deck extension, the centrepiece of the makeover. This riverfront haven now showcases a three-tiered deck, catering to a capacity of up to 1,000 guests. 

The top-tier sky deck treats visitors to breathtaking views of the renowned Story Bridge, complete with a brand-new container bar. On the promenade deck, guests can enjoy live music performances on a dedicated stage and catch sporting events on a large screen.

Revamped and Ready: Riverland Elevates Drinking and Dining Experience With Its $3.5 Million Makeover
Photo Credit: Facebook | Riverland Brisbane

The revitalised Riverland also introduces two new kitchen concepts. The Queenslander offers pub favourites including chicken wings in pineapple rum barbecue glaze, Mooloolaba prawn san choy bow, and cure tin can bay cuttlefish. 

Revamped and Ready: Riverland Elevates Drinking and Dining Experience With Its $3.5 Million Makeover
Photo Credit: Facebook | Riverland Brisbane

Check out The Traveller which takes inspiration from international street food, featuring Mexican delights like fried tortillas with guacamole, tomato salsa, and sour cream; cured red emperor tostadas with avocado, chilli jam and sesame; and roasted tortilla soup made with poached chicken, avocado, sour cream and crunch tortilla.

 Revamped and Ready: Riverland Elevates Drinking and Dining Experience With Its $3.5 Million Makeover
Photo Credit: Facebook | Riverland Brisbane

The beverage menu has also been updated, bringing fresh and innovative alternatives that will please visitors. Think Burst My Bubble, a specialty cocktail, and hot watermelon margaritas.

There is something for everyone with an extended menu of cocktails heavy on spirits, 16 beers and ciders on tap, and a carefully chosen wine list.



With its extended deck areas and many menu options, the riverfront venue is the ideal location for all kinds of events. Riverland has the ideal function space to meet your demands, from small gatherings to a complete venue lease for up to 1,000 guests, whether it’s a corporate meeting or a social event.

Head to Riverland at 167 Eagle Street and experience the new waterfront oasis that awaits you. 

Published 24-May-2023