I have long been a fan of Stokehouse Restaurant here in my hometown of Brisbane – the views, executive chef Richard Ousby’s sensational food, the great service and of course, the cocktails at Stoke Bar. So, I was delighted to be invited for a sneak peek at the new plans to transform this well – loved bar into new bar Q.
This exciting new initiative will make the most of the sensational location with those same breathtaking views but will take more advantage of the river’s edge position, with increased seating , booths, intimate spaces and even a private lounge.
Operations Manager of Stokehouse restaurants-Peter McMahon unveiled the plans for this four week, million dollar transformation and revealed the new Q logo whilst explaining that this modern bar will focus on music and flavours and will be a gathering place for people of like minds, not ages, who enjoy exploring new flavours, seeing , tasting and experiencing our uniquely Queensland lifestyle.
Q will be much larger and will extend the boardwalk experience with wrap- around lounge seating in a canvas of warm grey, blue, pastel green and orange. Best of all we lucky guests had a chance to sample some of Q bars new cocktails and canapés.
The Drinks
Becki Parker, cocktail connoisseur, master pourer and keeper of secrets is at the helm of the new bar Q. You might know her from her stints at Nant Whisky Bar, the Cuvée Lounge at Sofitel Brisbane Central or one of my favourites- Soleil Pool Bar at Rydges South Bank. She brings her wealth of experience and local knowledge to Q so expect some delicious mixes, standout whisky and more in Q’s library of Libations and Liquid Assets!
Our welcome cocktail was a delightful concoction called the Goodwill Rising paying homage to the closest bridge to Q. This cocktail featured Don Julio Tequila, fig jam, ginger, pineapple shrub, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, lemon and vanilla sugar crisp. All my favourite flavours rolled into one with the crunch of the vanilla crisp at the end. Deliciously drinkable on a sunny afternoon.
Next we savoured the Diamantina which Queensland history buffs would know is a nod to the wife of the first Governor of Queensland, Lady Diamantina Bowen. This refreshing cocktail was a mixture of Pennyweight Constance Fino, Manly Marine Vodka, thyme, cucumber and lemon oil topped with soda water. It was served with nori and citrus caviar ( the caviar was made with lime) and nestled in an oyster shell. A perfect combination!
Others to add to my list include Short Stack- Tanqueray Gin, Napoleon Mandarin, falernum, quince syrup, lime juice and grapefruit powder or Delish- Rittenhouse Rye, Mr Black Coffee Liquer, Grand Marnier, orange fruit leather and chocolate coffee beans or why not ask Becki to suggest a new favourite just for you.
The Menu
Head Chef- Richard Ousby explained the new menu he has designed which is comprised of Q’s Fork and Hand Menu with some 20 clever palate pleasers. From the Hand menu we happy guests sampled oysters, two fat sardines on sourdough with sauce rouille ( like no sardines on toast you’ve ever seen), mozzarella and bolognaise jaffle, chilli prawns, white bread and aioli and some crunchy and moreish buttermilk fried chicken bites.
The Fork menu boasts additions like Minute steak with grilled lemon and chimmi churi, some of my favourite flavours in – the pork cotoletta, fennel and caper slaw, fish and chips and so much more for those hankering for a little more, which as the name suggests can be eaten with a fork.
The newest bar in town Q will open on September 3, 2018 and will be THE place to be for your Sunday afternoon chill sessions, Friday libations, after work drinks or pre dinner cocktails. Featuring regular cool tunes from DJ’s and live acts every month this new space will boast a killer vibe with no pretence. I can’t wait to share this new and updated venue with my friends, family and overseas visitors for a quintessential Queensland Q experience. See you at Q!
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
Leave a Reply