If Harry Potter wanted to go drinking and dining with New York style in Brisbane, this is where you would find him.
Woolloongabba's darling, award-winning Canvas has kicked a baby from the nest to fly over the river and open Public in George Street. It's a big leap in size with the new venue, formerly home to Groove Train, including a fully fledged restaurant as well as spacious bar area in what they are calling the 'north quarter'.
Don't know where Brisbane's north quarter of town is? Think top end of George Street, smack in the middle of the legal district.
Find this new space by heading up the silver escalator on the corner of George and Turbot Streets and across the walkway into Public
With a golden raven overseeing all, Public has much to offer including delectable small plates from Head Chef Damon Amos and cleverly crafted cocktails.
It's a sharing concept, so those who insist on their own meals need to leave their needs at the door.
Instead, you can indulge in the joy of discovery as you taste your way through the menu filled with sustainable and market-driven dishes prepared with contemporary techniques. Some menu items will be available year round, while others will change seasonally to reflect Public's commitment to using fresh local ingredients. You have been warned!
Owners Tom Sanceau and Bonnie Shearston (half of the partnership behind Canvas) have brought in Gerald Faundez and Alex Boon (ex-X&Y and The Jetty, South Bank) and Jay Lambert across from Woolloongabba.
There's plenty of mixology in the bar and I was particularly taken with the pina cola with star anise smoke. It reminded me, in a totally good way, of a really bad draw back I did with my first cigarette standing at the front of a Gold Coast cinema. Choking on the smoke was so not cool.
Bonnie told me there are plenty of plans afoot to expand in spaces on the next floor up with a private dining room and a separate lounge - perfect for private Harry Potter screenings not!
Late in the year Public also plans to expand across the other side of the walkway with beer, oysters and charcuterie offerings. Sounds delicious.
Here's what we enjoyed at the opening bash.
Public
Upper Level 1, 400 George St, Brisbane 4000
07 3210 2288
