The Five Best Gathering Spots in Brisbane

Have you noticed there seems to be a lot to celebrate this time of year? Engagements, birthdays, welcome home parties – it’s all happening in spring. With the sun shining and jacarandas in full bloom this is one of the best times of the year to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with friends.

If you have a special occasion coming up and you don’t know where to go, here are Concrete Playground’s top five gathering spots to start you off.

Lady Lamington

Just past the hustle and bustle of Fortitude Valley, Lady Lamington is the perfect spot for afternoon drinks with a group of friends. Their sundeck overlooks Brunswick Street and is built around a beautiful old church. There is plenty of seating and has table service, so you will rarely have to move, unless you’re sick of talking to the person next to you. It’s a perfect place to share a jug of Pimms with your pals and munch on some delicious saganaki and octopus.

483 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley; 3358 6568; www.ladylamington.com.au

Yard Bird Ale House

Yard Bird Ale House is where dreams come true. With an extensive range of icy craft beers on tap and finger-lickin’ chicken wings coming out of the kitchen, this is the place to celebrate the elasticity of our stomachs. There are long picnic tables to sit down with your carnivorous mates and chow down on some wings, or perhaps a few pulled pork sliders, and solve the mysteries of the world while you are on a food high. Bring a napkin to pat down your head because you will be sweatin’.

6/24 Martin St, Fortitude Valley; 07 3852 6413; www.facebook.com/YardbirdAleHouse

Regatta Hotel

One of Brisbane’s oldest and dearest watering holes, The Regatta, is back with a vengeance. After the 2011 floods, the heritage pub has had some cosmetic surgery and is looking beautiful. The highlight of the new work is the large outdoor seating area full of large cushioned lounges. Located out in the sun and overlooking the Brisbane River, this is a great spot to catch up with friends for an atmospheric afternoon outdoors.

543 Coronation Drive Toowong; 07 3871 9595; www.regattahotel.com.au

Lock ‘n’ Load

For the morning people, Lock 'n' Load is a great place to get together with friends for brunch. They have an all day breakfast menu which is absolutely delicious including breakfast cocktails (killer Bloody Marys) to get your day started off with a nice buzz. The back courtyard is leafy and sunny with appropriate coverage to protect your precious skin from harm's way. We recommend the avocado on toast with tomatoes and goats cheese.

142 Boundary Street West End; 07 3844 0142; www.locknloadbistro.com.au

The Boundary Hotel

For the ultimate pub gathering, look no further than the Boundary Hotel. An iconic landmark in West End, the Boundary has great bench seating for you and your gang to enjoy a laid back afternoon of burgers, beers and babes (the babes being you). For those who like a bit of competition there are a couple of pool tables that overlook vibrant Boundary Street. A live band will keep you entertained in the evening once your dancing shoes are well and truly secured to your feet.

137 Boundary St, West End; (07) 3844 6504; www.theboundaryhotel.com.au