As summer rolls around and the temperature slowly rises, Brisbane locals are on the lookout for a standout chilled afternoon and sunset drinks location.
Ed+bK drinks specialist Alexander Stone, AKA The Thirsty Stone, has found just the spot. He says Customs House in Eagle Street has you covered for the whole sticky season with their new Aperol Spritz pop-up bar located in their back forecourt area on the river.
Originally constructed in 1889 when Queensland was a British colony, Customs House offers a new destination in an old setting with uninterrupted views of the Story Bridge. Known for its copper dome, the heritage building is leased by the University of Queensland and operates as a restaurant and function centre.
The outdoor vibe is perfectly offset with small tables under the brightly coloured Aperol umbrellas and bean bag chairs dotted on the lawn.
“We are welcoming in spring with a bang and are very excited to have partnered with Aperol to launch our Sunset Spritz spring pop up bar,” said Brian Roberts, Director of Customs House at the launch. “We would love all locals to join us for an Aperol Spritz or a glass of rosé and enjoy our beautiful view of the river.”
Kicking off the week on Wednesdays, the Apertivo Hour treats guests to complimentary canapés from 5pm to 6pm.
On the opening night sampled some creamy Coffin Bay oysters, truffled mushroom arancini, crispy pork cheek sliders with kimchi plus miniature prawn cocktails.
The bar menu includes beer battered flathead fillets with chips, haloumi sliders, thick, hand-cut chips and salt and pepper calamari. You also can order from a selection of cheeses which are served with walnut bread.
On Thursdays, live music by guitarist Reece Freeman will lull you out of your post work anxiety by the river from 5pm to 7 pm.
I can imagine this venue being perfect for an early dinner date or just somewhere to go to escape the corporate crowds along the main Eagle Street precinct. The bar also opens on Sunday afternoons.
With its outdoor setting, it has the plus of capitalizing on the review breeze but may suffer if there’s any inclement weather you’ll have find a spot in the small covered area a small covered are to sip your drink in if a storm hits.
Bottom line: Bar snack prices average around $15.
Disclaimer: The Thirsty Stone was a guest of Customs House.