SP Sports Awards

CITY UPDATE BrisBane

Brisbane has had a

relatively charmed run through the pandemic. What was supposed to curb its buoyant food and drink scene became an accelerant, with stranded locals spending big in the city’s heaving restaurants, bars and cafes. With the Olympics now locked in for 2032, Brisbane has a real spring in its step. Its precincts are busy, its galleries and museums are buzzing, and it’s attracting more visitors than ever before. Here’s our pick of what’s new in town.

BAR

Dr Gimlette

From the team behind the celebrated Death & Taxes comes this brilliant cocktail bar in the heritage-listed Metro Arts building in Brisbane’s CBD. The fit-out is all timber and original brick, with a nine-metrelong marble bar stocking more than 300 spirits, and a couple of vintage Martini carts servicing four enormous leather-lined booths. Otherwise, there are cocktails, beers on tap and an Old World-leaning wine list.

drgimlettebar.com.au

PICTURES: GRACE ELIzABETH PICTURE: NATASHA HARTH, QAGOMA

EXHIBITION

Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles

Brisbane’s superstar GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) will until October 3 host this spectacular exhibition that gathers together 25 years of Chiharu Shiota’s artistic practice. Celebrated for her otherworldly, large-scale, threaded installations, the Japanese artist taps into concepts of memories, dreams and anxiety. This is the largest solo exhibition of her work to date, so try not to miss it.

qagoma.qld.gov.au

With the Olympics now locked in for 2032, Brisbane has a real spring in its step.

CAFE

Lune Croissanterie

You no longer need to travel to Melbourne to get your hands on what the New York Times has labelled the world’s best croissant. Lune opened this slick South Brisbane spot in late 2021, peddling its usual mix of fresh-baked savoury and sweet croissants, danishes, morning buns, kouign amann and pain au chocolat. Grab-and-go with some Coffee Supreme espresso or book ahead for a session at Lune Lab, a private bar overlooking Lune’s climate-controlled pastry kitchen that serves a three-course experimental set menu. The Lune crew have also opened their own wine bar, Butler, just next door, if you’re in the area at night.

lunecroissanterie.com

HOTEL

Hotel X

Brisbane’s newest five-star hotel is a flashy stunner sitting high on the hill at the eastern end of Fortitude Valley. That location affords it spectacular views of the city – particularly from Iris, its funky rooftop bar and restaurant – but what’s inside is just as impressive: the hotel’s 146 rooms decked out with timber floors, mosaic tiling and moody, recessed lighting. They also feature bottled cocktails, Lavazza coffee machines, and Dyson and GHD hair appliances. Beyond Iris, there’s buzzy French bistro Bisou Bisou on the ground floor, and the CBD and popular Howard Smith Wharves precinct are just a walk away.

hotelx.com.au

PICTURE: HOTEL X