paddington Archives - Page 4 of 13

Ben Hunt Returns to Red Hill as Broncos Eye Title Glory

Brisbane Broncos have landed a major coup for their 2025 premiership campaign, securing the services of Queensland Origin star Ben Hunt on a two-year deal. The signing marks a homecoming for Hunt, who launched his NRL career with the Broncos in 2009.

Read: Auchenflower Hospital to Undergo Major Expansion

Ben Hunt reveals why Brisbane won out

When asked whether returning to the Broncos was always the plan, Hunt admitted in an interview with 4BC Brisbane, “It definitely wasn’t always, and that’s what made the decision process so long.”

“Having a family down here in Sydney, we had to weigh up whether it was the right move to come back to Queensland or stay down here and finish off before we move back.”

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Despite strong interest from Sydney clubs, Hunt’s emotional connection to Brisbane won out. “In my heart it always kept taking me back to Brisbane and the possibility of finishing off my career where it all started,” Hunt revealed.

Premiership vision drives return

Broncos head coach Michael Maguire believes Hunt could be the missing piece in breaking Brisbane’s 19-year title drought. “He would give us great depth,” Madge said. “Ben has played both positions at the highest levels at hooker and halfback, so it would give us versatility around what he can do.”

Hunt, too, is optimistic about his return. “I’m hoping I can contribute and win a competition,” he shared, voicing his championship ambitions. “I believe they’ve got the troops to do it, and Madge will be great for the club.”

Hunt is open to embracing any role that benefits the team but remains clear about his priorities. “My priority is to play in the half—that’s my favourite position,” he stated. “But playing hooker definitely isn’t an issue for me.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

Looking ahead to 2025

The 334-game veteran will begin training under Maguire next month, bringing experience and leadership to Red Hill. “I met with Madge a couple of times and everything we talked about was footy related—what he thinks the side’s capable of and how I can contribute,” Hunt said. “Our conversations were outstanding and I’m looking forward to playing under him.”

Read: Paddo Tavern Set for Major Revamp in Time for Brisbane Olympics

“For him to come back and achieve something that he set out as a kid at the Broncos, it would be an incredible story,” Maguire added, highlighting the narrative of Hunt’s return.

With Hunt’s leadership and skillset, the Broncos’ spine is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the NRL, giving the team a dynamic edge as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Published 27-November-2024

Paddo Tavern Set for Major Revamp in Time for Brisbane Olympics

The Paddo Tavern in Paddington is set to undergo a significant redevelopment, transforming it into a four-level venue with a new rooftop and modernised facilities aimed at supporting the local community and welcoming visitors ahead of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics.

Expansion and New Facilities

The renovation plan (DA A006642907), designed by Brisbane-based Craig W Chandler Architects, will add a fourth level to the Paddo Tavern, increasing its total floor area by nearly 50 per cent to 5,112 square metres. The new layout will include three function rooms, each approximately 148 square metres, designed to accommodate private events, corporate functions, and community gatherings. A large bar and lounge area will span 303 square metres, while a spacious 480-square-metre breakout area will connect to the function rooms.

The expansion includes updated accessibility features, with a new lift and escalators, and a redesigned facade along Given Terrace and Campbell Street. The tavern’s street presence will also be enhanced with a “green wall” featuring cascading plants, adding a subtropical touch to the venue’s exterior. The updated facilities aim to position the Paddo Tavern as a central location for community events and gatherings, with the ability to host larger groups and a broader range of events.

Historical Preservation and Sustainability

The Paddo Tavern has a long history dating back to the 1870s, and the current structure, built in the 1980s, has been a key landmark in Paddington. The redevelopment plans include reusing much of the existing structure, reducing the environmental impact of the project and preserving some of the tavern’s historical elements. Additionally, the well-known Sit Down Comedy Club venue will remain, ensuring the Paddo Tavern continues to support local arts and entertainment.

Across the street, another development aims to further revitalise the Paddington area. A new boutique unit and short-stay accommodation project, led by local landowners the Vidakovic family, is under construction at 208-220 Given Terrace. This development will feature two mid-rise buildings housing 12 luxury apartments and 31 short-stay accommodation suites.

A new laneway, named Hanlon Lane, will connect the site to Given Terrace and offer a mix of retail spaces, including cafes, restaurants, and restored character shops. This mixed-use project is expected to attract more foot traffic to Paddington’s retail strip, enhancing the area’s appeal for both locals and visitors.

Community Impact and Future Events

The redevelopment of the Paddo Tavern and the nearby Given Terrace project are part of a broader effort to prepare Paddington for upcoming major events, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By expanding its facilities and enhancing its community spaces, the Paddo Tavern aims to continue serving the Paddington community as a central meeting spot for both locals and tourists. Nearby residents and business owners have the opportunity to provide feedback on the development, as the tavern’s expansion plans are open to appeal through the planning court.

With these changes, the Paddo Tavern and surrounding area are set to grow into a hub for community engagement, providing improved amenities, event spaces, and social venues to serve the evolving needs of Paddington’s residents and visitors alike.

Published 4-Nov-2024

Rebuilt Paddington Home Sells for $3 Million After 2016 Fire

Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

A Paddington home at 25A Warmington St, destroyed by fire in 2016, has been rebuilt and sold for an impressive $3,017,777. This price significantly exceeds the suburb’s median house price of $1.9055 million.

The property was one of two neighbouring houses that caught fire in early September 2016, reportedly due to a faulty refrigerator in the adjacent home. The owners, who had just completed renovations before the fire, were forced to rebuild from scratch.

Over the past six years, the owners transformed the property into a contemporary five-bedroom, three-bathroom home. The new construction was only occupied by the family who rebuilt it.

Ray White Paddington agent Judi O’Dea managed the auction, which saw competition between two registered bidders. Bidding started at $2.7 million and increased in $50,000 increments. After an additional $200,000 was offered, one bidder dropped out.

O’Dea described the final negotiations as “a slow process.” The property eventually sold for $3,017,777.

Vendor Michael MacKay, who witnessed the 2016 fire, had previously commented on the incident. O’Dea characterised the rebuilding process as “a real ordeal” for the vendors but noted they were “very happy” with the sale outcome.

The new owners are a family from St Lucia with one child, who had been searching for a home since March 2024. They were attracted to the property’s newly-built condition and its location within desirable school catchment areas.

The home’s proximity to Milton State School, Kelvin Grove State College, St Joseph’s Primary School, Brisbane Grammar School, and Brisbane Girls Grammar School was a key factor in the purchase decision.

Published 23-September-2024

Star Chef Dario Manca Opens Attimi, His Dream Restaurant in Paddington

Photo Credit: Attimi/ Instagram

After a decade of anticipation and planning, renowned chef Dario Manca has finally unveiled his passion project, Attimi, on Given Terrace in the heart of Paddington.

Attimi, meaning ‘moments’ in Italian, promises to be a haven for those seeking unique dining experiences. The 28-seater restaurant offers a dual concept, with a set menu degustation on weekends and a la carte dining from Tuesday to Friday.

Manca’s degustation menu, available in eight or 12 courses (or ten with dietary requirements), invites guests on a culinary journey through his native Italy. Each dish comes with a personal explanation, highlighting its regional significance.

The eight-course menu provides a “quick Italian tour.” At the same time, the extended option offers a “sensory exploration of Italy,” blending traditional Italian cuisine with innovative twists inspired by Michelin-starred European and Nordic dining.

For those seeking a more casual dining experience, the a la carte menu promises exceptional quality without the formality of the degustation. Manca aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and regulars to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.

Manca’s vision for Attimi extends beyond the food. He emphasises sustainability, particularly with the degustation menu, and draws inspiration from ‘cucina povera’ or ‘poor food.’ His trout from Abruzzo, featuring a sauce made from repurposed prosciutto scraps, exemplifies this philosophy.

Attimi also showcases Manca’s artistic flair. He hand-painted the menus, created the artwork adorning the walls, and commissioned whimsical Italian expression statues for each table.

An extensive wine list featuring over 100 selections from Italy and worldwide complements the dining experience. In-house gelato and sorbet made in Attimi’s gelataria provide a sweet finish.

Manca’s passion for his craft and dedication to offering something unique shine through in every aspect of Attimi. He believes in celebrating diversity within Italian cuisine and hopes to provide Brisbane with an unforgettable dining experience.

Published Date 10-September-2024

Sibling Chefs Bring Authentic Thai Flavours to Paddington with Ma Chim

Paddington’s food landscape just got a flavourful boost with the opening of Ma Chim, a new Thai restaurant that promises to tantalise taste buds with fresh, zesty, and authentic cuisine.

Read: Sunny Side Sandwiches: Paddington’s Tasty New Arrival

This locally family-owned and operated business is the brainchild of siblings Bowyo and Yew Muangsong, who aim to bring a taste of their homeland to Brisbane’s vibrant community.

The name “Ma Chim” is a playful invitation in Thai, translating to “come and taste it” – an apt moniker for a venue that prides itself on its enticing menu.

While Bowyo Muangsong has made a name for herself as a renowned head chef in some of Brisbane’s famous venues like Pingpong and Morning After Cafe, it’s her brother Yew who takes the helm in the kitchen at Ma Chim.

Bowyo’s journey in Brisbane’s culinary scene began when she arrived in the city at 18, fresh from completing her Year 12 in Thailand. Her first foray into the local food industry was at her aunt’s restaurant in Milton, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful career in the kitchen.

Photo credit: MA CHIM THAI Brisbane/Facebook

Ma Chim’s menu is a love letter to Thai cuisine, featuring family recipes and regional specialties passed down through generations. Many of these cherished dishes come from the siblings’ mother, herself a chef with a passion for cooking.

The authenticity extends beyond the food – even some of the plates and cutlery have been sourced directly from Thailand, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion to the dining experience.

Diners can look forward to signature dishes such as the popular Wagyu Boat Noodle and the homegrown Kapow with fried egg and real Thai basil. For those seeking to explore Thai flavours, the Nam Tok Pork Jowl offers a unique take on a famous recipe, while the Street Fish Cakes with sweet chilli sauce and roasted peanuts provide a perfect starter. To quench your thirst, Ma Chim also serves up homemade Thai milk tea.

“We embarked on this journey to create a restaurant that not only serves the most delicious Thai dishes but also offers a warm and welcoming dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on our customers,” the Muangsong siblings shared through their website.

Read: Rosalie Village: New Public Artwork Unveiled Celebrating Community and Culture

Ma Chim is located at 4/165 Baroona Road, Paddington, and is now open for dine-in and online orders. Whether you’re a Thai food aficionado or a curious first-timer, Ma Chim invites you to come and taste the vibrant flavours of Thailand right in the heart of Paddington.

Published 23-July-2024

Red Hill Sensation Thomas Neill Eyes Paris Glory With the Dolphins

Red Hill swimming sensation Thomas Neill is poised to make his mark at the Paris Olympics, securing his spot in both the 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley events. At just 22 years old, Neill is preparing for his second Olympic appearance, building on a career that has shown promise since his junior days.

Read: Paddington Jewellery Icon to Sell After Two Decades

From Rugby to Swimming

Rugby had been his obsession since childhood, consuming his thoughts and adorning his bedroom walls. Posters of his idols – Quade Cooper, Will Genia, and the entire 2011 Reds squad – served as daily inspiration. On the other hand, swimming was a chore he endured with gritted teeth, Neill admitted.

Fate had different plans for the young athlete, steering him away from the rugby field. At 14, Neill shattered both his leg and his aspirations during an intense match. The sickening crack of bone echoed his vanishing dreams of rugby stardom.

Ironically, it was the very sport he did not love (at first) that offered salvation after his injury. The doctor’s prescription for swimming for rehabilitation was met with initial skepticism. Deep down, he had always sensed his true potential lay in the pool, not on the pitch and this became the catalyst for embracing a new passion, as the competitive spirit of swimming began to ignite a fire within him.

Early success and rapid rise

Neill first caught attention in 2019 at the Australian age titles, claiming gold in multiple events including the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle, as well as the 200m individual medley. This impressive performance earned him a place on the Australian Team for the junior world titles in Budapest, where he continued to excel, securing two silvers and two bronzes.

Transitioning to senior competition, Neill quickly proved his mettle. At the 2021 Australian championships, he claimed gold in the 800m freestyle and silver in the 400m freestyle, narrowly missing a medal in the 200m freestyle.

Thomas Neill debuts at the Tokyo Olympics

Neill’s Olympic journey began at the 2021 trials in Adelaide, where he secured a spot on the 4x200m freestyle relay team for Tokyo. In his Olympic debut, Neill narrowly missed the 200m freestyle final but played a crucial role in the relay event. Assigned the anchor leg, he delivered the fastest split among his Australian teammates, helping secure a bronze medal for the team.

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Following a period focused on his Advanced Business (Honours) degree at the University of Queensland, Neill returned to full-time training in 2023. He contributed to Australia’s bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and showed improvement in individual medley events.

Neill’s recent performances have solidified his position as a dual-event Olympian for Paris. At the Australian Olympic trials held in the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, he claimed second place in the 200m freestyle with a time of 1:46.02, securing his individual spot. Additionally, Neill will compete in the 200m individual medley in Paris.

Read: King’s Birthday Honours Recognise AMA Queensland Doctors

Known for his friendly personality, Neill has gained attention for his post-race quips. After winning bronze in Tokyo, he told TV cameras, “A bronze medal at the Olympics, as Matty Johns said in 1997, it’s better than Lego.” With one Games under his belt and another yet to come, Thomas Neill offers an intriguing preview of Australia’s swimming future.

Published 08-July-2024

Paddington Jewellery Icon to Sell After Two Decades

One of Brisbane’s most cherished jewellery and homewares stores, Thousand Island Dressing in Paddington, is on the market after 22 years of operation.

Leanne DeMartini, owner of the well-regarded store on Latrobe Terrace, expressed that it was time for new vitality in the business as she approaches retirement. She aims to conclude her career on a high note, desiring the new owner to continue the store’s legacy for another 22 years or more.

Turning 60 last October, DeMartini felt it was the right moment to shift her focus from managing the store to potentially mentoring other small business owners through roles with the Brisbane City Council or the Small Business Association. She emphasized her interest in supporting and sharing her extensive experience with other entrepreneurs.

Business History and Resilience

Thousand Island Dressing first opened its doors in 2002 and later expanded to locations in Bulimba and New Farm in the following years. Although the satellite stores closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the original Paddington location thrived with a strong online presence bolstered by loyal customers.

DeMartini recounted memorable events at the store, including one where she met her husband, underscoring her emotional connection to the business.

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Market Interest and Sale Details

Listed for sale at $65,000 plus stock at value through Finn Business Sales, the business attracted immediate interest, receiving two offers shortly after listing, including one from a devoted customer. DeMartini expressed a fervent hope that the store’s new owner would share her passion for the business, emphasisingng her desire to avoid closure and see the store prosper under new ownership.

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Published 23-June-2024

Paddington Family Targeted in Fourth Break-In, Luxury Cars Stolen

A Paddington family is reeling after their home was broken into for the fourth time in two years, resulting in the theft of their luxury cars.

James Antliff and Elise Allisson had increased security measures at their residence following each previous incident, but this did not deter a group of teenagers from allegedly breaching their property.

The youths reportedly scaled a concrete wall, forced a door lock, and entered the house. Upon discovering a BMW and a Porsche in the garage, they were seen celebrating before allegedly taking bag and car keys, and driving off with both vehicles.

The incident, which occurred while the couple’s seven-year-old stepson was inside the house, has left the family shaken.

“It’s super frightening,” Allisson said. The teenagers allegedly fled in multiple cars, embarking on a joyride across the south-east. The BMW was later found abandoned in Stafford Heights, while the Porsche was last tracked on the Sunshine Coast and remains missing.

This is the fourth break-in the family has experienced in two years, prompting them to progressively enhance their home’s security.

“We’ve upped the security every time we’ve been broken into,” Antliff stated. “We’ve got security cameras, we got security alarms and all the doors were locked and even the front gate had a chain and padlock around it.”

The incident has reignited the debate surrounding youth crime in Queensland, with the state election looming in October. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli criticised the current government’s handling of the issue, while Premier Steven Miles acknowledged the complexity of the problem.

The investigation into the break-in and car thefts is ongoing, with authorities working to locate the missing Porsche and apprehend the individuals involved.

Paddington Crime Statistics

Between December 2023 to June 2024, there were 127 incidence of Unlawful Entry and Other Theft (excluding Unlawful Entry) in Paddington, according to the Queensland Police Service. Most affected clusters were along Fernberg Road and Latrobe Terrace with more incidents taking place around 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Published Date 11-June-2024

NOTA Shutting Its Doors, Different Hospitality Figure Takes the Reins

Photo Credit: NOTA

After a six-year run as one of Paddington’s favourite dining destinations, NOTA Restaurant & Wine Bar on Given Terrace is shutting its doors. The European-inspired restaurant will serve its last meal on August 3rd, 2024.

**Co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort of NOTA**
Photo Credit: Instagram / @broadsheet.brisbane

Co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort, both former chefs at Moda, opened NOTA in 2018 in the former space of acclaimed French restaurant Montrachet. The exposed brick and warm lighting created an inviting ambience for NOTA’s modern European fare and extensive wine list.

“Starting NOTA so early in our careers was of course challenging, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing Paddington community,” said de Kort. “But we are excited for what the future holds, both for us and for the space we’re leaving behind.”

**Co-owners and chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort of NOTA**
Photo Credit: NOTA

The duo will now focus their efforts on Allonda, the Newstead restaurant they opened in 2022. However, they are passing the Given Terrace location to another yet-to-be-named hospitality figure who plans to reinvent the space.

**Chefs Kevin Docherty and Sebastiaan de Kort’s Newstead restaurant, Allonda.**
Photo Credit: ALLONDA

“It’s important for us to honour the community we’ve built by passing over the space to another hospitality wunderkind who we’re confident will bring a much-needed dining experience to Brisbane,” de Kort added. “We’re incredibly excited to see our much-loved space reinvented.”

As NOTA winds down, the restaurant will bring back signature dishes like quail with sweet corn polenta, broccolini with anchovy butter, beef bourguignon, and the warm house crumble. Head Sommelier Yanika Sittisuntorn will also return for a final selection of wine pairings.

The neighbourhood can look forward to a new culinary experience when the unidentified hospitality figure takes the helm at 224 Given Terrace in the coming months.

While Paddington waits for the newcomer, NOTA Restaurant & Wine Bar will serve their remaining meals until August 3, 2024. They are open 6 pm-late on Tuesday-Thursday (last booking at 7:30 pm), 12-2 pm and 6 pm-late (last booking on 8 pm) Friday-Saturday. Catch them before they are gone for good.

Published 11-June-2024

Paddington Chaos: Car Flips in Multi-Vehicle Crash Near Suncorp Stadium

Photo Credit: Dashcam Owners Australia

Dashcam footage has revealed a heart-stopping incident on Hale Street in Paddington, just outside Suncorp Stadium, where a car was catapulted into the air and flipped onto its side following a reckless maneuver.

The incident, captured around 9:53 p.m., shows a white hatchback signaling to exit the road when a black sedan speeds up, attempting to merge into the lane. The sedan slams into the rear of the hatchback, sending it hurtling through the air, rolling multiple times before coming to a rest on its side.

A blue hatchback traveling in the opposite direction was also clipped, but the driver managed to maintain control of the vehicle. The black sedan, emitting sparks, briefly left the road before eventually coming to a halt.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) confirmed that a 26-year-old woman from Loganlea sustained minor injuries in the crash. The driver of the sedan, a 19-year-old man from Moorooka, was issued a traffic infringement notice for careless driving.

The footage, shared on the Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page, has drawn numerous comments expressing shock and concern. One user praised the quick response of bystanders who rushed to the flipped car, while another remarked on the sudden chaos that erupted for unsuspecting drivers.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of maintaining vigilance on the roads.

Published Date 28-May-2024