Osbourne Hotel

Overview

Back in 2017, the Fortitude Valley watering hole formerly known as Fringe Bar and Kerbside became The Osbourne Hotel. That name isn't quite new. Instead, at this spot on the corner of Ann and Constance streets, it dates back over a century and a half. In fact, that's what the pub was called right up until 1992 — when it became The Dead Rat Hotel, and then the Rat & Parrot.

To jump backwards even further, in 1864, The Osbourne Hotel was the second hotel to open in the Valley — a fact that's certain to have made it popular. All these years later, the site enjoys the benefits of a visible multimillion dollar makeover both outside and in, which restored the building to its original colourings, fittings and layout.

Drag bingo at the Osbourne Hotel in Brisbane

The Osbourne Hotel features 94 taps throughout the now 800-person venue, as well as a 400-seat glass-ceiling bistro and beer garden. For those after more than a casual drink and a meal, the old boarding rooms on the first floor have been transformed into function and meeting rooms, as well as a private dining area for hire.

With two bespoke copper bulkheads boasting 31 taps each — and proving the only two of their kind in the country — thirsty visitors can expect a beer-heavy drinks menu focusing on craft, local and international brews. Also a highlight is a cocktail list providing new takes on old favourites, such as blueberry Tommy's margaritas, banana bread old fashioneds and and apricot sours.

The Osbourne Hotel kitchen dishes include all-day pizzas, chargrilled meat and fish tacos. Classics like beer-battered fish and chips, chicken parmigianas, steak sandwiches and salt-and-pepper calamari abound, while duck pancakes, sweet corn arancini and cured salmon pastrami also make an appearance.

And if you're keen on watching a game, you'll find four HD TVs outside and four inside — plus a massive stadium screen.