The pair behind a string of Brisbane’s most popular eateries and nightclubs has brewed up their latest venue, with elevated gastro-pub Portside Social set to join the line-up of new venues in the resurgent Portside Wharf precinct in Hamilton mid-year.
All Stars Hospitality Group co-directors Justin Kong and Patrick Donohue have signed a lease for a 224sqm retail space in the riverfront village, with fit-out to commence in mid-March ahead of an anticipated June opening.
Since founding All Stars Hospitality Group just five years ago, Mr Kong and Mr Donohue have launched an array of popular venues across Brisbane including Wonderland BNE, Ling Lings Bar, Melt Brothers, Mekka Fest and Disco Entertainment.
Portside Social will be modelled off their hugely successful Newstead Social, which opened in 2022 and has become renowned for its earthy atmosphere, industrial interiors, lush plantings and social events, including bingo, trivia nights and live sports.
The new venue is the latest to join Portside Wharf, as it rolls out a $20 million revitalisation, and comes on the back of the launch this month (February) of a new initiative aimed at carefully curating the retail mix, with grants and incentives up to $500,000 for the right operators to join the precinct.
Amongst the line-up to open since its revamp began last year is seafood restaurant Fosh, French boulangerie and salon de thé Rise Bakery, yakitori bar Bird’s Nest, artisanal gelato store Rosé Gelateria and modern sushi restaurant Choo Choo.
Chinese restaurant Uncle Wang and Sugee Ramen will also open in the coming weeks.
Mr Kong said it was the ideal time to join Portside Wharf and fill the gap for a relaxed yet elevated pub, where locals could catch-up over a parmi, pint and a game of pool.
“Portside Social will be your good old fashioned local pub, with an elevated ambiance and menu,” he said.
“We are partnering with Brisbane interior designers, Clui Design, on styling for the fit-out, which will be industrial, light and open; a space to relax and unwind with family or mates and a hotspot for locals to catch-up and connect.
“Customers can expect all their classic pub favourites, from a selection of burgers to bangers and mash, fish and chips, chicken schnitzel and parmi, salads, steaks, and a selection of beer, wine and cocktails.”
Mr Kong said Portside Wharf presented significant potential now and into the future, with its riverfront locale at the centre of one of the city’s fastest-growing inner precincts.
“I live locally and think it’s such an incredible location,” he said.
“There’s a diverse demographic in and around Hamilton, who will benefit from having a bar like Portside Social in the mix, with few venues of this kind available in the area.”
Builder Lowry Group has been appointed to commence fit-out of Portside Social, which will occupy a prime space in the heart of Portside Wharf, adjacent to Italian restaurant Gusto da Gianni and neighbouring Burrito Bar Portside.
Brookfield Properties Executive Vice President Lee Butterworth said Portside Social was the ideal addition to Portside Wharf, as it continued to reaffirm its position as a locals’ village.
“As its name suggests, Portside Social will be a place for the community to come together and will complement our retail mix, which includes restaurants, cafes, an IGA supermarket, cinema, gym, wellness and boutiques,” he said.
“We’re looking for further like-minded operators to join us and deliver new experiences for our residents and surrounding community, as our precinct continues to evolve, with now an ideal time to reach out following the launch of our new retailer incentive program.”
Aimed at carefully curating a thriving village mix, the new retailer incentive initiative offers up to 23 packages ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 across five categories: curated convenience, lifestyle boutique, health and wellness, waterfront dining and local social hub.
Retailers are invited to lodge an expression of interest before 19 April 2024 at inportsidewharf.com.au.