Hope & Anchor in Paddington is a Bar Straight From an English Town

The Hope & Anchor in Paddington perfectly blends well with the English-style neighbourhood on Given Terrace, as it occupies a heritage-listed 19th century bakery.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

Atmospheric is how the locals describe the feel of the bar, with the huge windows and tables outside that glow at night with its golden lights and candlelight. The bar is inspired by English pubs.

There is an attached courtyard outside, which is available for seating whilst there is also a second level with booths that you can slide in.

Exposed sand stock walls are paired with taxidermy, black & white photos, collectibles and flying ducks.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

The pub is the perfect place to grab a pint as they offer four craft beers on tap.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

They also have a wide selection of wine available by the glass or bottle.

Cocktails are also available such as the espresso martini, mojito and four specially created house cocktails.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

Sure, you would love some bar nibbles paired with your drinks but why not have a full meal instead? The bar offers a good selection of food that are proven to be very delicious.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

You might want to try their schnitzel, which is recommended to be paired with beer.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

They also have cold cuts and cheeses that will go well with a glass of red.

Photo credit: Hope & Anchor / Facebook

If you’re looking for live music, the bar hosts music gigs. To keep up-to-date, you can check out their website for their gig lineups.

Address: 267 Given Terrace

Authentic Roman Pizza Restaurant Now in Paddington

Heads up, Paddington locals, a new pizza place has arrived in town! La Pinsa on Kennedy Terrace is now the go-to place for authentic Roman pizza.

Prior to their opening, locals first had a preview of La Pinsa’s special menu when they joined the Summer Solstice: A Midsummer Night Gypsy Festival at Northey Street City Farm last December.

Their selection of authentic Italian comfort food was so well-received that eager customers happily welcomed them on their opening day on the 17th of January in Paddington.

If you’re wondering what “pinsa” means (and no, it isn’t pizza), it is derived from the Latin word “pinsere” that translates to “to stretch.” They are fully dedicated to giving customers the real authentic Roman version of pizza!

This new pizza palace an al fresco dining space and a few cosy tables inside, providing customers with space for a quiet conversation or some people-watching, depending on their mood.

Photo credit: La Pinsa – Brisbane / Facebook

The interior and exterior of the place screams Italian with every detail, as do their fresh, homemade pasta, salads, bruschetta and dessert. Don’t miss out on the Pinsa cooked, mushrooms and dried tomatoes.

Photo credit: La Pinsa – Brisbane / Facebook

A delicious selection of pasta, such as their Spaghetti alla Norcina (fresh cream, wild mushrooms, black truffle, parmesan, garlic and parsley), awaits the lucky diners.

Photo credit: La Pinsa – Brisbane / Facebook

La Pinsa only uses organic and GMO-free dough. For more information on La Pinsa, click here.

Address: 139 Kennedy Terrace

Paddington Gaol Turned Lifestyle Barracks Still a Landmark

If you’re in Paddington, then you probably go to The Barracks to dine, shop or unwind. The place has everything you need. Unbeknownst to some though, this place holds a significant amount of interesting history.

Did you know that this area was once actually a gaol? In 1860, the first major purpose built gaol for free settlers was built by Andrew Petrie. In 1912. new buildings were built and became the Petrie Terrace Police Depot. In 1938-39, the main Barracks was built to house unmarried police officers and those who are on probation. When World War II rolled around, it was turned into an observation post and by 1970s, it was used as the headquarters for police.

In 1987, the State Government sold the buildings to a private enterprise and by 2007, the Brisbane City Council and the government approved the development application for the $120-million mixed-use development.

The newly-transformed Barracks opened for business in 2008 with several restaurants such as Hog’s Breath Cafe & Peasant Spanish Restaurant. There are also cinemas here where you can catch the latest flicks.

The Barracks today Photo credit: Arkhefield

For your shopping needs, there is a Coles Supermarket, a beauty bar and many more that will accommodate your daily needs.

 Ten years after opening, Paddington’s gaol turned lifestyle barracks is still a major landmark in the area.

Make Fresh Christmas Wreaths at Francesca’s Flowers in Paddington

Christmas is around the corner and a Christmas wreath workshop is up for grabs on 21st December at Francesca’s Flowers in Paddington from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The point of having a workshop days before Christmas is to keep the wreaths fresh and wonderful that can last the whole month. Enjoy a cup of tea and cake while learning as well.

The workshop will bleed by experienced floral designers within the florist shop and all flowers and materials will be included.

The workshop fee is $120.00 and you can book here. They also have a Facebook Group that you can join in to keep up-to-date with the latest workshops.

Address: 46 Latrobe Terrace

The Government House in Paddington Lights Up & You’re Invited To View It For Ten Nights!

On 8th December to 17th December, drop by the Government House in Paddington for a spectacular show of Christmas lights display.

Everybody is welcome to visit from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to view the light display this year, which highlights some parts of the house and the Estate gardens. The property boasts of 1,750m lights and over 12,000 bulbs.

Bring your loved ones with you and take in the magnificent sight. Don’t forget to take photos as well with such a beautiful backdrop that is perfect to send as postcards or to have framed in your home and become one of your beautiful Christmas memorabilia.

Entrance is free.

Latrobe Terrace Gets Busy For Paddington Christmas Fair 2017

Make sure not to miss out on this year’s Paddington Christmas Fair on the 8th of December from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. at Latrobe Terrace.

This is the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season, with plenty of activities for you and the kids. There will be face painters, bubble-ologists, an animal farm, and other attractions guaranteed to keep the kiddos busy and having fun.

There is also something for your pets. A Pups’ Christmas market will be part of the event so you can buy some presents and goodies for your furry friends. Santa Paws will be there as well to meet and greet your precious fur babies!

Don’t miss out on the choir performances whose melodic voices will give the place a decidedly holiday feel.

This is the Fair’s fourth year and it’s bound to be even more successful than the last ones! All the occupants of Upper Latrobe Terrace have combined their efforts to ensure that fair-goers will have the best time.

Green Tangerine is even hosting a colour competition, for a chance to win a huge teddy bear! A drawing competition will be held as well with a grand prize by Artkid Jewellery.

After the event, the adults can continue to enjoy the night at various locations along Latrobe Terrace such as at Atticus Finch, King Tea and Naim.

Margo Restaurant & Bar in Paddington Takes Over Montrachet

Taking over what used to be a popular fine-dining spot on Given Terrace, Montrachet, Americo Fernandes is making use of the space to build Margo Restaurant and Bar in Paddington that offers European and Asian cuisine.

Of Portuguese descent, Mr Fernandes grew up in Paris. In 2004, he moved to Australia where he made a name for himself in the restaurant scene in various well-known Brisbane restaurants. Now, he’s ready to set off on his own. This Paddington restaurant marks as his very first own food venture.

Stepping inside the doors of the restaurant, the continental influence in the French-inspired decor is not hard to miss, with its grand mirrors on the walls, red leather booth seating, and classy yet comfortably elegant, sophisticated ambience. There is alfresco seating, with plenty of room for everyone who wants to check out this new kid on the block.

Photo credit: Margo Restaurant & Bar / Facebook

Whilst waiting to order or be served, guests are served freshly baked baguette with smoked butter. They are delicious to munch on whilst you look through their extensive menu of entrees, sides, mains, and desserts.

Suggested starters include the scallops served with curry, asparagus, corn and basil oil and Or the tuna salad with spiced tomato gazpacho. The restaurant also highlights local seafood in their menu. The Moreton Baby Bug served with piperade and chorizo is a flavourful addition to the menu. Meat lovers will want to try the Lamb Rack Provencal with smoked babaganoush and garlic for a savoury treat.

Photo credit: Margo Restaurant & Bar / Facebook

Their Margo charcuterie and homemade pickles board provide the perfect pairing for their wines. Make sure that you try some of their desserts such as the rosemary creme brûlée with orange and almond biscotti, it’s the perfect way to end a meal – sweet and right!

Photo credit: Margo Restaurant & Bar / Facebook

Address: 224 Given Terrace

A New Boutique Cinema May Resurrect a Derelict Building in Red Hill

Red Hill may soon see a new boutique cinema at 14-16 Enoggera Terrace and 5-7 Mannion Street as a development application has been lodged to the Brisbane City Council.

If approved, the proposed development will rehabilitate a heritage building which was owned by the Sourris family in the 1950s and originally named Red Hill Pops Theatre.

Photo credit: BCC

The proposal seeks the rehabilitation of the existing building, with plans that include a cinema complex. It will be named as Red Hill Pops Theatre. The development is designed by James Davidson Architecture. The word ‘Pops’ actually stands for “People’s Own Pictures” although it was later renamed to State Theatre.

The proposed facility will include five cinemas with a total seating capacity of 355 seats, an ancillary two-lane bowling alley and associated seating, Enoggera Terrace foyer area and new awning, ground floor kitchen and amenities.

For the ‘Gram: Bowerbirds Collection in Paddington

In the western suburbs, Paddington is one of the best places to go to if you want some great shopping finds. The suburb has rows and rows of antique stores and other unique stores that will tickle all tastes. In the case of Bowerbird Collections, they offer some really great handcrafted homeware plus some delicious beverage and baked treats.

The store is pure eye candy; bursting with so much colour, it will lure you right in. Owned by mother and daughter Peta and Ellie, they are so many timeless creations that you can choose from.

Photo credit: Bowerbird Collections / Facebook

There are lamps in bold colours, paintings and some clothing as well. The place is definitely Instagram-worthy!

Photo credit: Bowerbird Collections / Facebook

As you go further inside, you’ll see the coffee counter decorated with patterned tiles, which are handcrafted by Peta herself. There are seats outside where you can enjoy your coffee.

Photo credit: Bowerbird Collections / Facebook

Don’t forget to try their own herbal brew creation, “Skip the Coffee”, made for those who want a healthier alternative to coffee or simply those who are not looking to add more caffeine into their system.

To match the delicious beverages on offer, there is a selection of gluten-free and vegan treats such as as the macadamia brownie and the vegan almond cake.

Address: 1/117 Enoggera Terrace

Be Merry At This Year’s Paddington Christmas Fair

As the Christmas season begins, west Brisbane opens up to various fairs from left to right. In Paddington, the annual Christmas Fair on Latrobe Terrace will take place on 8th December at 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and you better make sure not to miss it!

Photo credit: Brisbane Kids

Traders of the suburb are all busy planning for this year’s Paddington Christmas Fair. Fun activities, great finds and entertainment makes up the entire fair experience.

It’s going to be a great day for kids. There will be face painters for that special touch of whimsy and art. There is also going to be an animal farm, which will let you and your kids feel closer to farm animals. For your four-legged friends, there is also a puppy Christmas market where you can get some adorable finds for your pets.

There will be workshops such as the Christmas jewellery-making session, where you can learn to create your own accessories, which will help you channel your inner creative genius.

To save the memories for posterity, make sure that you take a photo whilst in the event at their photo booth.

Cool down with a snow cone and simply have the best time!

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