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Paddington Local Samuel Gay Debuts Indie Movie Passion Project at Palace Cinemas

“A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World,” a Brisbane-made indie film by Paddington director Samuel Gay, will finally hit the big screen at the Palace Cinemas, years after pouring his heart and soul into this passion project.

From 26 to 31 Aug 2022, the Palace Cinemas screening will also include live events featuring the director and the stars of the film — Kerith Atkinson (“Mako Mermaids”),Tony Brockman (“Hobsons Choice: Martin”), Jacki Mison (“Remember My Name”) — who will sit down for the Q & A on these dates and times:

When	Where
FRIDAY August 26 7:30 pm	Palace Barracks Cinema
SATURDAY August 27 3:30 pm	Palace James St Cinema
SUNDAY August 28 4:00 pm	Palace Barracks Cinema
WEDNESDAY August 31 6:30 pm	Palace James St Cinema

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“A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World” is filmed entirely in Brisbane with an all-Queensland cast and crew. Mr Gay, a graduate of Queensland College of Arts, co-wrote the movie’s script with his friend, Stewart Klein.

A Guide to Dating Poster — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World tells the story of a single woman who survives the apocalypse only to be reacquainted with her blind date from hell. When Alex meets John on a blind date set up by her friends, she declares that she ‘wouldn’t see him again even if he were the last man on earth!’ The next day Alex wakes to find that a scientific experiment seems to have wiped out the rest of humanity. The streets of Brisbane are deserted; her annoying boss has disappeared and no longer does she have to put up with her friends trying to set her up with losers. Finding that she has the City of Sunshine to herself – at first it’s bliss. no traffic, no queues, no deadlines – though the novelty wears thin after a few weeks of harmless carjacking, home-invasions and tinned food. Until Alex discovers there is someone else alive and it’s John! Neither understands why they are the last two standing but in the idyllic new environment Alex starts to appreciate John’s finer qualities until they meet Wendy and Alex discovers that two is company and three’s a crowd.

“I’ve always loved post-apocalyptic storylines ever since I read Stephen King’s “The Stand” as a kid,” Mr Gay said. “I remember daydreaming a lot about what it would be like if everyone suddenly disappeared. And when we decided to make this film of course there was no question we would shoot it in Brisbane!”

Director Samuel Gay
Photo Credit: Supplied

Tait Brady, the co-producer from Label Distribution, said this is “a genuine Brisbane-indie film” that they’ve been waiting for.

“Sam and his team worked for years to make and complete the film – it’s been a marathon but a fun ride.”

“A Guide To Dating At The End Of The World” was screened at the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival and at festivals here and abroad, including WorldFest Houston. Kerith Atkinson and Tony Brockman were both nominated for Best Actor awards.

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Inside ‘Wine Experience’: A Bar Within A Bottle Shop

‘Sampling the wares’ has taken on new meaning at Wine Experience, a bottle shop in Paddington that has evolved into a wine bar, the culmination of the owner’s nearly two decades of experience operating a retail wine store in Rosalie Village.

Read: Fundraiser Launched for Planned New Paddington Bistro and Wine Bar

After 16 years of running a bottle shop, Michael Nolan established the bar within his retail store, giving oenophiles a place to enjoy their wine.

Nolan, who has visited many bars across Europe, wanted to create something like the tiny bars in Spain, which encourages intimate get-togethers.

Every bit of this bar takes inspiration from typical European bars, from the compact seating that can accommodate a small group to the selection of food options for guests to enjoy with their wines.

rosalie wine bar — Photo credit: Wine Experience/Google Maps

“The space itself is intimate; designed so that guests can chat freely with the chef and staff about their experience. We have capacity for only nine guests around the curved timber bar, but there are two small outside tables for those who prefer an al fresco experience,” Wine Experience said.

They bring the taste of Spain into the wine bar with their Sardine and Green Mojo Pintxo, which goes perfectly with a glass of sparkling white wine.

wine experience — Photo credit: Wine Experience/Facebook

What sets it apart from most bars in Brisbane is that they have wines that people struggle to find elsewhere.

The ‘Winemaker Series,’ for instance, features wines that are made just for them by some of Australia’s leading winemakers sourcing grapes from exceptional vineyards in the most sought after regions. The current selection includes a juicy Barossa Valley Shiraz from ninth-generation winemaker Marco Cirillo.

They also run free weekly Friday night tastings, where everyone is welcome to come in and try what’s on offer each week.

Over the past year, they quickly built a following, with customers popping in on the way home from shopping or stopping for an afternoon drink before heading off to a restaurant or movie.

Anthony, one of their patrons, shares that visiting the bottle shop and wine bar “feels like entering an Aladdin’s cave of fabulous wine.”

“A huge range and some very knowledgeable and helpful staff who take the time to assist you in choosing the right wine,” he shared.

Wine Experience’s bar and kitchen are open on a walk-in basis Wednesday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m.

Here’s Where To Get Your Boozy Brunch In Paddington

Fancy a mojito with your morning meal? With a welcoming and cosy vibe that will make you feel at home, Kettle and Tin is the perfect spot in Paddington for catching up with friends over a boozy brunch.

Read: Fancy Some Middle Eastern Cuisine? Check Out This Paddo Cafe

A fixture in Given Terrace for over a decade now, Kettle and Tin is a fully-licensed restaurant, which means you can have some mojito with your breakfast, or choose from their wines, liquors, spirits, and beers for the perfect morning libation with your meal.

kettle tin bne — Photo credit: Kettle & Tin/Google Maps

Boozy is only half of “boozy brunch” and this trendy bar/cafe knows that for sure, as they pay close attention to the food menu beyond the drinks.

Grab some eggs benny, omelette, avo smash, or chicken and waffles from this cafe for a satisfying meal as you enjoy your drinks all morning long.

Or delight in their cheese arepa, with scrambled eggs, avocado and beans if you’re craving a Colombian breakfast; or maybe tortillas served with fried eggs, beans, guacamole, and salsa roja for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.

paddington — Photo credit: Thi Ngoc Anh Nguyen/Google Maps

They also recently launched a new tapas menu for dinner, which you can order every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

If you think it’s too early for some booze, you can have some coffee courtesy of Bear Bones Coffee, as well as smoothies, milkshakes, cold-pressed juices, and mocktails.

paddo cafe — Photo credit: Kettle & Tin/Google Maps

Housed in a quaint cottage filled with artwork and a nursery of plants, Kettle and Tin isn’t just a place for some boozy brunch, because they have a few events to look forward to, such as the Latin Dinner on Wednesdays and Trivia Night on Thursdays.

Kettle and Tin is located at 215 Given Terrace, Paddington. You can follow them on Instagram @kettleandtin for updates.

Reuben’s Deli & Bar Paddington Closes For Good

After three years of operating in Paddington, Reuben’s Deli & Bar has closed its doors for good, with the owners bidding farewell to their loyal customers through a social media post.

Read: Fundraiser Launched for Planned New Paddington Bistro and Wine Bar

“It’s been an absolute honour to get to know the best damn customers in the world. We’ve met amazing people during our three years, and have many new friends,” owners Manny and Peggy Rosenberg wrote on a Facebook post.

reuben deli and bar — Reuben’s owners Manny and Peggy Rosenberg (Photo credit: Reuben’s Deli & Bar/Facebook)

The Rosenbergs shared they will also miss their neighbors, the shop owners of Paddington who were very supportive.

“We are happy you liked our favourite American foods as much as we do. But the pleasure was all ours. Love you all,” they said.

Locals are sorry to hear about Reuben’s Deli & Bar’s permanent closure, which, like its namesake, is popular for their Reubens.

“The best Reuben sandwich in Brisbane gone. Best of luck for your future but wow what a loss for Brisbane,” local John said.

“So thankful for the taste of home away from home you provided. Wishing you both the best. We’ll miss you!” wrote Danielle.

reubens in brisbane — Photo credit: Reuben’s Deli & Bar/Facebook

Although closing their beloved restaurant was difficult, they were forced to stop trading after facing two years of debt which piled up during the pandemic. Fortunately, a buyer contacted the Rosenbergs, who wanted to take over the space at Given Terrace.

Besides their signature New York deli sandwich, the deli was best known for their South Philly Cheesesteak, Italian Hoagie, and smoked chicken salad sandwich.

Aside from notifying customers of their sudden closure, the owners also announced that they settled with the new buyer in July 2022, who will develop their own concept and not trade as Reuben’s.

Mr Rosenberg, who had Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery in June 2022, will also focus on his health for now.

ARLC Buys Gambaro Hotel Brisbane in Petrie Terrace

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) is expanding its hospitality assets with the purchase of Gambaro Hotel Brisbane in Petrie Terrace, located some 300 metres away from the Suncorp Stadium.

The hotel, established by the Gambaro family in the 1950s, has been sold for the very first time in over 65 years and will be rebranded as the NRL with rooms named after some of the league’s famous players.

The Gambro family will still manage the hotel and restaurant. Gambaro Group director John Gambaro said that they are excited to work with the ARLC to continue to grow the hotel’s operation. HTL Property brokered the deal with the ARLC.

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A post shared by Gambaro Hotel (@gambarohotel)

In a statement, the ARLC said that its first investment into the property market will allow the commission to “strengthen its balance sheet with stable, secure investments that provide steady income, long-term capital growth and to protect the game against major interruptions.”

Gambaro Hotel Brisbane has hosted several Brisbane Broncos home games over the years, and will also host the Dolphin home games for 2023. It is also expected to boost its revenue with the upcoming Olympics and the Women’s World Cup Football series.

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A post shared by Gambaro Hotel (@gambarohotel)

The Gambaro site has 68 rooms and is considered an upscale hotel with ancillary facilities. The family’s name has been linked to Brisbane’s food and beverage industry after they opened their first fish and chip store along Caxton St.

The award-winning Gambaro Seafood Restaurant, on the hotel’s ground floor, has been a landmark for the last five decades.

Fundraiser Launched for Planned New Paddington Bistro and Wine Bar

Photo Credit: KnowOne KnowWhere / Instagram

This GoFundMe campaign aims to help launch a new bistro and wine bar on Given Terrace, Paddington. But what’s in it for the donors?

Top chef and owner of Kould be Anywhere and catering company KnowOne KnowWhere Scott Webster launched the fundraiser to finance the down payment and equipment needed to open the European Bistro and High-end Wine Bar. In return, those who donated will receive a meal voucher, equivalent to the donated amount, once the venue opens.

“We aim to bring our Michelin star backgrounds to Brisbane. High-end consist food of the greatest quality and service that will ensure the rest of Brisbane will follow suit,” his GoFundMe page reads.

The campaign aims to raise $150,000 which Scott hopes will be reached soon enough so he can open the bistro by mid-2023.

Scott’s career as a chef started at Heston Blumenthal’s The Hind’s Head in Bray, the UK assuming the role of Sous Chef. Their team was awarded a Michelin Star for their excellent cooking skills and the top-notch quality of their food offering. He would later move to the sister restaurant The Perfectionists’ Cafe as its Executive Sous Chef.

Seven years ago, Scott and his wife, Rita, came to Australia. Soon after, West End’s Billykart took Scott as its Head Chef and in 2020, the couple launched their own private catering business KnowOne KnowWhere. A year later, Kould be AnyWhere, a 52sqm grab-and-go style cafe, opened in Woolloongabba.

So far, Scott’s campaign has raised $5,720. If you would like to help Scoot launch his “dream restaurant”, you may visit this link.

Paddington Included In City-wide Blitz For e-Scooter Riders

Heads up, Paddington e-scooter riders! Authorities are conducting a blitz throughout Brisbane CBD and the Safe Nights Precinct, which includes Paddington, to ensure that riders are complying with safety rules and regulations, amidst increasing instances of accidents involving e-scooters.

Read: Revisiting History: Ithaca Memorial Park

This comes after the Department of Transport and Main Roads released the Personal Mobility Device Safety Action Plan in June 2022, which was developed to improve safety for e-scooter riders, and for those who use cycleways, footpaths and roads.

The blitz will commence on 20 June 2022, a few months earlier than the larger regulatory reform on e-scooter riding in Queensland later this year.

Transportation Minister Mark Bailey said the blitzes aim to crack down on people riding in a dangerous manner, which might mean speeding, using a mobile phone, carrying passengers or not wearing a helmet.

“They will be focusing on the urban areas of Brisbane where e-scooter use is particularly high, so I ask everyone to do the right thing – not just when Police are around, but every time you get behind the handlebars,” Mr Bailey said.

Mr Bailey announced they will also be increasing the penalties for high-risk offences to ensure e-scooter riders are aware of the consequences of unsafe riding.

“This will include speeding, using a mobile phone while riding and riding on prohibited roads,” he said.

e-scooter Brisbane — Photo credit: Brett Sayles/Pexels

Brisbane City Road Policing announced that they will be targeting e-scooter riders in the Safe Nights Precinct, especially those involved in intoxication and speed.

The Safe Nights Precinct is an initiative created by the Queensland Government to reduce late-night drug and alcohol related violence particularly in high-volume, late-night trading areas.

Under Queensland’s new regulations on e-scooter riding which will take effect on 1 November 2022, the speed limit on most footpaths will be reduced from 25 kph to 12kph.

Aside from introducing speed limits on some footpaths, authorities also mandate the use of a warning device, like a bell; enforcement of non-complying devices; increased penalties for high-risk offences; and clearer signage.

Paddington Resident Shocked To See Huge Hike In Insurance Due To Flood Coverage

Paddington residents recently received an unexpected add-on when renewing their home insurance coverage, as insurance companies include mandatory flood coverage to certain post codes, even for homes without prior claims.

Read: Challenging Times Spark Dwindling Tenancy at Paddington Central

Karen, a resident from Paddington, said in a radio interview with 4BC, that her home and contents insurance increased to more than $5,000. Her premium now comes with added-on flood coverage.

The woman’s insurance company explained that Paddington’s postcode, which also covers Baroona, Milton, and Rosalie, has been re-rated because of the floods that affected South East Queensland and that the ‘flood coverage is mandatory.’

At present, there are no statutory provisions mandating compulsory flood cover in insurance policies in Queensland. Many insurance companies offer flood cover as a standard inclusion but allow policyholders to opt out.

The Insurance Council of Australia said they are aware of some policyholder confusion around how policies may respond to flood.

“Flood cover is a standard policy inclusion except where it is expressly stated cover for flood is excluded, for example where an insurer clearly states it does not cover flood, or when an option is provided to ‘opt out’ of flood cover,” ICA stated in a media release earlier in 2022.

ICA revealed there were around 220,000 claims made following the disaster in February 2022, costing about $4.3 billion.

The Insurance Council advised residents to contact their insurer directly if ever they are unsure about payment. ICA also recommended having a clear understanding of what the issue is and reading the policy schedule/certificate and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a complaint.

Challenging Times Spark Dwindling Tenancy at Paddington Central

Paddington Central has been losing quite a number of tenants lately as retailers reel from the continuing economic impact of COVID-19 and changes in consumer spending habits.

A few retailers have recently moved out or announced that they will not renew their lease with Paddington Central. The shopping centre also has at least a couple of tenancy spaces that have been vacant for months now.

The retail business has been struggling over the past couple of years due to lockdown restrictions and changes in customer spending habits.

In April, Cafe Yoyo announced that it will not continue with its lease and served its last coffee order on 29 April 2022. The cafe’s exit follows JC’s Engraving & Shoe Repair’s exodus which reportedly moved to West End.

“To the wonderful community of Paddington, as most of you know tomorrow the 29th of April will be the Cafe’s last day of trade. We have reached the end of our lease and it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to not continue,” their social media post reads.

“I have had the privilege of meeting so many fantastic human beings that have supported me and my team through some tough years. I trhank each and everyone of you for your love your smiles and your sometimes weird coffee orders.”

Spiros Bottle Shop which has been a long-time tenant at the centre has also announced that it will be trading until July 2022.

“For those of you who haven’t heard the news, it is with great sadness that we inform you that we’re moving the store,” Spiros announced on their website.

“After many wonderful years interacting with such a wonderful customer base and community, the centre has decided that your needs would be better served by a BWS.”

Spiros will be moving to Toowong and will be rebranding as Embassy Cellars. The space, however, may not stay vacant for long as liquor store BWS has been announced to launch later this year.

“BWS is coming to Paddington Central later in 2022. We are pleased to announce that BWS will be opening in Paddington Central with a large store and an associated large offering to service the needs of locals. Stay tuned for more updates,” a Paddington Central post reads.

Paddington Central is anchored by Woolworths and is also home to a number of specialty stores, cafes and restaurants. However, some locals feel that an improved retail mix and some renovations could help improve foot traffic at the centre.

‘Kooka! Trail’ in Paddington Almost Ready for Unveiling

Playful and artistic kookaburras will bring more colour to Paddington as the Kooka! Trail project, an innovative and creative community idea, gets ready for unveiling.

Some 16 artworks representing the Australian icon have been chosen for the Kooka! Trail installation to highlight the unique character and heritage of Paddington Terraces.

The project involves 13 local artists like Tori-Jay Mordey, Spectator Jonze, Zoe Porter, Debra Hood, Jade Thompson, and Michelle Jae Andrews. They were tasked to create their own interpretations and use the fabrication of the Kookas, made from waste concrete, as their canvas.

Below are just some of what the artists have been preparing so far.

Per the Council, “Installation of the Paddington Terraces ‘Kooka! Trail’ and street furniture is scheduled for mid-2022, subject to weather and site conditions. Council will consult with business owners and operators within the installation areas to ensure minimal disruption occurs during construction. Access to all businesses will be maintained during the installation period.”

The Kooka! Trail is part of the Paddington Terraces Precinct Grant Project, which was kickstarted in April 2021. Locals suggested the trail, alongside the addition of more street furniture, a drinking fountain upgrade, and a dog bowl facility.

Learn more about the project here.