The patch of land at 458 Brunswick Street is no longer just an empty old Blockbuster store, or even a vacant lot where said video shop used to be — and it's giving Brisbanites plenty of reasons to drop by. First, Hotel X opened its doors and treated the city to a new staycation spot. Then, the building welcomed lavish restaurant Bisou Bisou, complete with an oyster and caviar bar. Now, bar and restaurant Iris has joined the party, setting up shop by the pool on the building's rooftop.
While its downstairs sibling has opted for a French theme, Iris takes its cues from the Mediterranean coast, including everywhere from Beirut to Barcelona. Design-wise, that translates through the exposed stonework entranceway, wisteria and olive trees, and the fairy lights twinkling above. Visitors will also find themselves surrounded by plum, rose and indigo hues accented with gold finishings, plus marble touches.
The 200-person venue pairs its luxe decor with quite the view — including of the adjacent water, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, the Story Bridge and the city skyline — as well as poolside bungalows, and a private dining room that can seat 14. Once evening approaches, there's also a dance floor that'll get you cutting shapes to DJs as the sun sets.
Overseen by Ghanem Group Executive Chef Jake Nicolson and Head Chef Lloyd Evans (ex-Blackbird), the food menu is filled with Greek and Spanish-style share plate options. Start off with an antipasto platter ($45), then pick your way through anchovy ($19), prawn ($21) and fish taco ($17) tapas. Larger options include barbecue pork rib pinchos ($28), salmon crudo with shiraz gin caviar ($24), spicy lamb and chorizo albondigas ($18), and spiced wagyu picanha with chimichurri rojo ($44). And, for dessert, the list spans a fig-focused take on tiramisu ($14), Persian pistachio and olive oil cake ($12), and a toffee apple churro tart ($16).
On the drinks menu: red, white and rosé sangrias made with organic wines, four types of boozy sodas, seven signature cocktails, three mocktails and kombucha. There's also an extensive range of tap and bottled beers, as well as hard seltzers, sherry, wines by the glass and bottle, and spirits. Or, you can opt for bottle service.
