Brisbane's trendy small bars

Far from being the ‘big, small town’ it was known as in the 80s and 90s, Brisbane is now a thriving cosmopolitan city with a range of high-end restaurants, exciting nightlife district (The 'Valley') and trendy bars.

The last few years has seen a surge of micro-bars and cafes - small gems that offer stacks of atmosphere. Here’s a list of some of the top spots that now reside in Brisbane.

Burnett Lane is bustling with patrons on a Friday evening, pop your head into Brew at the bottom of the Laneway for a coffee in the morning then head back after work to SuperWhatnot. Think industry loft, Brooklyn NY vibe with exposed brick, black booths and wooden floors.  The bar resides in the abandoned storeroom of an old beauty school. What they’ve created is excitingly hip and fresh.

Image courtesy of SuperWhatNot

New to 400 George Street is Public. The restaurant’s softly lit, calm atmosphere is a welcome addition to the hustle and bustle of this popular food precinct. Dine on shared plates or individual main meals from a seasonally changing menu. 

If you enjoy humour with your beer then keep your eyes open for the upcoming ‘Our Place’ in Fortitude Valley. The homely atmosphere will hold cosy couches, cushioned milk crates and awkward family photos. No doubt hipsters will flock and laughs will abound.

The Hideway lives up to its name, providing a small getaway with lots of vintage vibe. It may be small, but it's big on taste with craft beers and fine wine. Step inside for a drink and you will hear a mix of soul, blues, jazz and rockabilly tunes streaming from the DJ’s old school vinyl.

Lady Lamington, on Brunswick Street, has created a lot of buzz with the 20 something set in Brisbane. The name derives from Lord Lamington, Queensland 8^th Governor. Don't let the name's orgin turn you off, it may have old roots, but the décor has a modern, resort-style vibe. Enjoy the most of Brisbane’s subtropical weather and head to the open top bar to enjoy an after work drink. 

Brisbane dining courtesy of Brisbane Marketing

Cabiria, located in the redeveloped Barracks precinct in Paddington (off Roma Street) is home to the some of the best oysters in town. There is a lot of attention given to finding great drinks in this Queensland bar, with over 300 bottles sources from across the world and some quirky, boutique beers available on the menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner you can enjoy gourmet sandwiches and home made pies in a brick enclosed, cellar style bar with gorgeous wooden floors. 

Brisbane's accommodation ranges from budget to boutique. Browse the options here. 

Brisbane coffee scene courtesy of Brisbane Marketing

Melbourne Fashion Festival

Melbourne Fashion Festival March 8 to 15. 2012.

By David Reyne

Melbourne is set to prove once again that it is the fashion capital of Australia. I realise such a statement is likely to put Sydney’s fashion followers noses’ out of joint but, get over it. Besides, they’ve got the world’s most beautiful harbour. And better weather… well, sometimes.

From the 8^th to the 15^th of March, the Melbourne Fashion Festival will transform the city’s infamous Docklands precinct into an utterly glamorous destination.  

The Fashion Festival itself never fails to jolt the nation’s grooviest into an excited frenzy. Whether it’s the sight of all those alluring catwalk angels strutting like newborn mules, the sizzling creations of the design elite, the often chaotic concoctions worn by the hysterical in attendance, or the cocktail fuelled, doof-doof powered after parties, the Melbourne Fashion Festival can always be relied upon to create an unforgettable spectacle.

And Melbourne, as always, rises to the occasion. Visitors might like to take advantage of the best coffee in the country, throw back a few silky lattes and stay awake for the duration of the festival. 

But, if coffee seems to pump too many amps to your already frazzled nerve ends, soothe them by turning left down any city lane where you’ll find impossibly hip bars hidden away in candle-lit bolt holes. 

As for Docklands, well, Melbournians remain undecided. Edgy, angular apartment buildings vie for space with the colour crazed facades of numerous corporate headquarters while, at their feet, row upon row of sleek yachts and polished cruisers are fringed by freeway ramps, container ship commotion and big city shadows. It’s well worth a ponderous look.

No-one should ever need an excuse to visit Melbourne but if your life requires an injection of style, stoke and stimulation, Melbourne Fashion Festival week could be the mainline hit you need.