Lucerne On Fernberg: A Heritage-Listed Bed & Breakfast

Heritage-listed Lucerne on Fernberg in Paddington is the prime relaxation getaway if you need a place to stay near Brisbane CBD and wish to experience the atmosphere of a historical residence.

Built sometime between 1859 and 1862, the residence is believed to be the oldest private home in Brisbane.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Bricklayer James Young constructed the house for his growing family back then. He had 16 children. The house was one of the three houses that Mr Young built on the property for his growing family. However, as his family needed a larger house, he moved to one of the larger houses.

He rented the house to John Guthrie, who named the house “Lucerne” after the lake and town in Switzerland

Over the years, the house was passed on and was turned into different establishments. At one point, it became a girls’ school.

The Transformation

Today, the house is owned by Helen and Brian who purchased it in 2005. In 2007, they found out that Helen is related to Emma Adsett, the wife of Mr Young.

The house underwent several renovations over the years. Currently, it has two self-contained, air-conditioned cottages. Large trees surround the area whilst the owners continue to re-plant the gardens.

Aside from providing easy access to Brisbane CBD, the Lucerne is also close to the dining precincts of Paddington, Milton, and Rosalie.

Address: 23 Fernberg Rd.

A Permanent Outdoor Cinema Could Be Coming To Kelvin Grove

Brisbane is planning to build the city’s first permanent outdoor cinema in Kelvin Grove. A development application has already been lodged by the Brisbane City Council’s City Project Office for the structure to be constructed at McCaskie Park at 137 Kelvin Grove Road.

Brissy residents have always shown great love for outdoor movies. There have been many outdoor cinema events all across the city and this just shows the locals’ appreciation for a good movie under the inky sky.

The proposal details:

  • 2.7 metre x 5.4. metre screen
  • Small stage area
  • Speaker set-up

The outdoor cinema aims to enhance the heritage values of the park as well as its usability.

The council plans to make the cinema operational on weeknights and weekdays and FREE. They will also allow the area to be used by organisations and individuals.

Other outdoor cinemas in Brisbane include the famous American Express Open Air Cinemas in South Bank. The area is close to the river making it a great spot for a movie outdoors. There is also the Moonlight Cinemas in New Farm which allows cinema-goers to tailor their movie experience to their needs plus there’s a bar onsite and a food truck.

Outdoor cinemas are a fun way to bond with your family and friends. It’s also a great date night idea. Now, with the possibility of having a permanent one here in Brisbane, living in the city will get even better.

See the development application here.

King Tea In Paddington Will Be Updating Their Menu

Popular King Tea in Paddington is up for some rejuvenation just in time for its first anniversary in May.

PopMega, owner of King Tea and other popular Brisbane restaurants, will be updating King Tea’s menu by adding a new range of regional Asian favourites. This new change is greatly influenced by the arrival of their new chef, Guy Rooney.

Diners who pre-booked slots in the sampler event recently enjoyed a four-course banquet that introduced their new Asian menu, with dishes such as lamb rib, crispy pork belly, and coconut rice pudding.

Now, customers can really have tea that will make sense with the cuisine they offer.

Currently, they offer Spanish tapas with a menu that offers a range of traditional selections such as blood sausage, lamb rubs, and crispy pork belly.

For those who are trying to cut down on the meat, they have preserved seafood such as sardines and razor clams. Enjoy their charcuterie and cheese selection, perfect when paired with something from their extensive wine list which includes carefully curated Spanish labels. King Tea also has a good selection of cocktails, liquor, as well as an excellent selection of tap and bottled beers.

Every Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., enjoy “pintxos hour” which feature free bar snacks for diners to enjoy.

$60 Million Inner City Bypass Upgrade Set to Improve Traffic Conditions in Legacy Way

A Brisbane City Council initiative, the Inner City Bypass’ (ICB) $60-million upgrade is currently underway through Transurban Queensland, with BMD Constructions as the contractor for design and construction.

Inner City Bypass upgrade fly-through Credit: Brisbane City Council

The ICB is considered as one of Brisbane’s most important routes and is vital to driving the city’s economic growth. It is a major link in the road network because of its connections to Lutwyche Road, Airport Link Tunnel, Clem Jones Tunnel, Legacy Way tunnel, and Kingsford Smith Drive.

Carrying more than 105,000 vehicles per weekday at 90% capacity, the ICB is expected to exceed its capacity by 2021; hence the need for an upgrade.

Benefits

The upgrade aims to widen the ICB from three to four lanes in each direction between Legacy Way and the RNA tunnel. This can facilitate further growth to areas along the key corridor.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The ICB upgrade is set to deliver major benefits to road users. It will increase its capacity for current and future traffic demands which will help in reducing congestion-related accidents making it safer for road users. The upgrade will also improve ICB’s connectivity to the wider road network thus improving travel times.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Once completed, the ICB will make it easier for people going to and from the western suburbs to travel via public transport with the number of bus priority measures delivered by the upgrade.  The new bus priority measures at the Herston Road exit off the ICB will include a new dedicated bus priority lane.

Construction Impacts

Major works on the project have already begun and the upgrade is expected to be completed this year.

Works are scheduled from 7:00 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. To maximise the safety of road workers and motorists, as well as minimise traffic disruptions, out-of-hours work may be required on Sundays and overnight between 8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m., Sunday to Thursday. Signage and traffic control are in place to direct motorists accordingly.

Residents living near the project site may expect construction noise, low levels of vibration, and dust. Advance notice will be provided for constructions that are likely to cause disruptions such as night works, noisy works or major access changes.

Spanish Designer Shoes & Bags On Sale For Two Weeks In Paddington

Ladies, if you’re in need of a much-needed retail therapy, then you’re in for a treat.

Head over to Paddo because a wholesaler of top Spanish brands of shoes and bags is clearing their stocks and samples at the Paddington Pop Up shop on Latrobe Terrace from 15-29 March.The sale is still on, so you might want to get yourself a pair or two pairs of shoes for a bargain.

There is something for everyone here. If you’re in need of winter boots or casual driving shoes, they definitely have it. Heading to a party soon? Stop by and choose from a wide selection of heels in different styles.

Shoe sizes range from 35 to 41. If you’re a size 37, consider yourself lucky because there are dozens of extra samples available for that size.

Available brands are:

  • Sergio Romero
  • Puntotres & Lince
  • Jeffrey Campbell
  • Pedro Mirrales

The good news? You will not be stuck with the scraps because new stocks arrive every few days. There are fresh styles that you can look forward to throughout the sale period.

There is also a wide selection of leather bags and quality jewellery available.

Opening hours:

Weekdays – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Go on and go wild over great designer finds! Prices start from $20.

Address: 104 Latrobe Terrace

Red Hill’s Legendary Normanby Hotel Up for Sale

For the first time in 15 years, the iconic Normanby Hotel in Red Hill is up for sale.

Built in 1890, Normanby Hotel used to be a popular spot for locals thirsty for a cold beer. It was listed as a heritage place in 1992 for its cultural and aesthetic significance.

Although the official listing hasn’t hit the market yet, potential buyers are already signifying interest. The property is attracting strong interest thanks to its underlying value and development potential.

Sellers are expecting the price to hit $20 million.

The hotel sits on a 3,655-square-metre site with a vast car park and the multi-level heritage listed pub. It currently has 35 gaming machines, which substantially add value to the property.

To add to that, the hotel is situated in a prime location at the Normanby Fiveways. The huge land where it sits also makes it a valuable asset for developments in the future.

Normanby Hotel was also popular for one of Brisbane’s popular trees, the 100-year-old fig tree, which was removed in 2016 after a storm blew it over.

In 2003, the hotel went through a major renovation and it hasn’t changed since then.

Back in 2016, the hotel submitted an application to the Brisbane City Council to build a 15-storey building along with an underground nightclub next to the hotel. However, the application was rejected due to the height and size of the proposed hotel tower.

Michale Dempsey and Otto Wilhelm, who co-own the hotel since 1999, said that they are selling the hotel to concentrate on Mr Dempsey’s core business.

CBRE Hotels Queensland director Paul Fraser and national director Daniel Dragicevich are handling the sale of the property. They are marketing the property via an Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign.

The EOI process will run until Thursday 5th April 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (AEST).

Red Hill Included In This Year’s Brisbane Street Art Festival

The 2018 Brisbane Street Art Festival will have more than 50 local and international artists creating live murals all over Brisbane and Red Hill will be one of the suburbs participating.

Mural artists will be bringing their artistry to Brisbane suburbs including South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill, Paddington and Annerley from 31 March to 15 April.

Catch the live mural by Sophia Mary Mac at 2 Windsor Road in Red Hill on 2 April from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Brisbane-based artist specialises in monochromatic styles whilst focusing on native themes and location-based concepts.

Painting the City

The BSAF aims to enhance the Brisbane Community and at the same time, inspire individuals through public art.

Well-known artists will be painting the city’s walls, including Colombian artist Gris One, London geometric specialist Rosie Wood, and Mexican calligraphy specialist Said Dokins.

There will be a free launch party in Fortitude Valley with live entertainment by The Gametes, FeelsClub, Desmond Cheese and YELLOWCATREDCAT. There will also be live mural painting by Drapl and Treazy. Expect an artistic feat filled with so many activities at various areas in Brisbane such as street art fashion show and many nightly events!

You can also see other suburb schedules here.

Chili Cook Off, Doggo Models and Zombies – It’s Brewsvegas Paddington-Style

Paddington’s Atticus Finch Cafe and Kettle and Tin are ready to take part in this year’s Brewsvegas beer festivities.

Brewsvegas is now in its fifth year and it continues to highlight the originality and personality of the different craft beer venues across Brisbane. In Paddington, Atticus Finch Cafe and Kettle and Tin are bringing special events close to their hearts – a contest for doggos at Atticus Finch and a chili cook off and zombie food at Kettle and Tin.

Zombie Apocalypse Rally Point

Photo credit: Kettle and Tin/Facebook

On Saturday 17 March, Kettle and Tin will host the Zombie Apocalypse Rally Point. Brewsvegas zombies can munch on some ‘Brain’ burgers and sip some Bloody ‘Head Shot’ Marys. The Zombie Apocalypse event will be filled with live music, whilst the smoker will be manned by the Shank Bros.

Event Details

What: Zombie Apocalypse Rally Point
When: Saturday 17 March
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Kettle and Tin
215 Given Terrace, PaddingtonFREE EVENT 

Chili Cook Off

Photo credit: Kettle and Tin/Facebook

The Annual Chili Cook Off is back in its sixth year at Kettle and Tin, where some of the top chefs in the city will converge to turn on the heat with their delicious chili recipes.

The best-dressed zombie will be awarded and there will be live music, Bloody Mary bars and tons of brewed beer at the event.

Event Details

What: Annual Chili Cook Off
When: Sunday 18 March 2018
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Kettle and Tin
215 Given Terrace, PaddingtonTICKETS: $20 at the door 

Su-Paw-Model at Atticus Finch

The doggos will not be left out during Brewsvegas.

Paddington’s dog-friendly café and craft beer enthusiast Atticus Finch is holding a competition for the furry ones.

Photo credit: Atticus Finch Cafe/Facebook

Atticus will be serving beers from Brewdog, Parrot Dog, Moon Dog and more. The four-legged friends can get to slurp some free dog beer. Afterwards, they will be photographed and entered into the Supawmodel competition.

The winner of the public vote will get to bring home vouchers, dog toys, beers for the human and more.

Event Details

What: A Beery Good Search for a Su-paw-model!
When: Saturday 17 March 2018
2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Atticus Finch Cafe
2/83 Latrobe Terrace, PaddingtonFREE EVENT 

The Paddington events are part of the Brisbane-wide celebrations. Check out other events across Brisbane during Brewsvegas 2018.

New Broncos Training Facility in Red Hill Brings the Team Closer to the Local Community

The new Broncos training facility in Red Hill has finally been launched to the public. The new facility now occupies the former Ithaca TAFE campus.

Named after a property developer and former Toowoomba Mayor, the Clive Berghofer Centre is a $27 million project. It is a commercial partnership between the landowner, the club, and the State Government.

The Broncos approached Mr Berghofer for support whilst the facility was being built. They asked if he could donate some money for sponsorship. Being his favourite Queensland team, Mr Berghofer did not hesitate. He donated $3 million to the endeavour.

Unbeknownst to some, he was also the financial backer of the Broncos’ old feeder club, the Toowoomba Clydesdales in the 1990s. In exchange for his donation, the “Beyond The Broncos” Program will invest more time and money in Darling Downs schools. The program empowers underprivileged and disabled young people.

The Clive Berghofer Centre also aims to help the local community through several programs which encourage community participation.

  • ‘Beyond Broncos’ indigenous mentoring program
  • Game development across Queensland
  • Alliances with ‘Deadly Choices’

The new high-functional training facility has a new sports field and its own training and administration building. Locals will have access to certain parts of the training facility when not in use by the Broncos.

Photo credit: http://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/

With this new facility, the team can spend more time with the locals and mentor emerging talents within the area. They are also committed to the construction of a new pedestrian and cycle path and a pocket park near Ithaca Creek.

Petite Pieces Exhibition Is Here Again in Paddington & You Shouldn’t Miss It!

Aspire Gallery’s Petite Pieces Exhibition is on its third year and artists are showcasing their works of art, all created to fit within a size of 40 x 40 x 40cm, at their gallery in Paddington.

The exhibition is open every Wednesday to Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until the 28th of February.

Rachel Weaver’s ‘Gulliver Dreams of Travel’ Photo credit: Aspire Gallery / Facebook

There are over 200 artworks made by 100 talented artists on display. With their unique theme that only allows each artist to fit their work within a certain size, the artists are challenged to explore the possibilities and experiment with their skills to discover what they can conceptualise.

 

Terry Summer’s ‘ The Proposal’ Photo credit: Aspire Gallery / Facebook

The results are captivating and interesting, as beautiful expressions take over the gallery spaces, all made from different types of material. Minuscule sculptures stir wonder whilst creative jewellery pieces charm onlookers.

Rose Van Oyen’s ‘Spirit’ Photo credit: Aspire Gallery / Facebook

This is not only an exhibition, though. Aside from showcasing the work of these artists, the gallery will award a Judges’ Choice Prize, which grants the winning artist a solo exhibition at Aspire Gallery. The public will also have a say in the selection as well. Voting will be open throughout the exhibition. Make sure that you support your favourite artist!

Entry to the exhibition is FREE.