Overview
One of the rare remnants of Brisbane's past that's still standing in the CBD, Naldham House is getting a new lease on life, and soon. First constructed nearly 140 years ago, then undergoing major renovations in 1988, the Felix Street site is now part of the Waterfront Brisbane project that's revamping Eagle Street. And while much along the roadway remains under construction, this heritage-listed spot will start reopening in mid-July 2024 with the first two of three new venues.
Turning into a new dining and drinking hub, Naldham House will become home to both Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace and Club Felix midyear. Details of the third venue that'll fill its walls haven't yet been revealed. DAP & Co, the hospitality group co-owned by Andrew Baturo, Denis Sheahan and Paul Piticco, is behind Naldham House's next guise, adding to a citywide stable that also includes The Gresham, Popolo Italian and Walter's Steakhouse and Wine Bar.
The building began its life as a shipping office, then became the Brisbane Polo Club from 1994–2015. Now, it'll give over its ground floor to Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace, which takes its cues from both European brasseries and grand hotel lobbies around the globe — and its first floor to cocktail bar and lounge Club Felix. On the lower level, everything with be markedly old-school from the look to the service, whether you're among the 95 people that the venue can cater to inside or the 120 outside on the terrace with its own bar. Up a storey, there'll be a supper club vibe, a French-heavy menu, a hefty champagne list, and capacity for 150 standing and 110 seated.
The aim is for Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace to become an after-work hangout, including for both dinner and drinks, with Club Felix taking the fun into the night with a 2am closing time. At the latter, small plates and charcuterie will accompany the sips, and the space will also be able to be used for weddings and parties.
That leaves the third of the three-level spot's floors for the yet-to-be-revealed other venue. While the details are still under wraps, it is set to launch in spring.
As well as Baturo, Sheahan and Piticco, the Naldham House boasts Executive Chef Douglas Keyte (ex-Grill Americano in Melbourne), General Manager Christian Green (ex-Rockpool, The Botanical, Aria, Chin Chin, and Longrain) and Restaurant Manager Steven Ham (ex-Soho House Group in London) at its first two venues. Taking care of the aesthetic, which is all about honouring the structure's history while setting a new mood — think: bold colours and patterns, with each floor getting its own look — is interior designer Anna Spiro.
"We are beyond excited and privileged to finally open Naldham House next month, restoring a new level of hospitality to Brisbane. We have poured our hearts into creating something extraordinarily special for Brisbane and Australia. We want Naldham House to be a celebration of our city's heritage and rich culture for years to come," said Baturo.
"Brisbane has been crying out for diverse late-night city experiences. With Brisbane well and truly basking in the international spotlight, Naldham Brasserie and Terrace and Club Felix have been specifically designed to align with a growing, mature, sophisticated world-city that is committed to an energetic, fun and safe late-night economy," Baturo continued.
Find Naldham House at 33 Felix Street, Brisbane City, with Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace and Club Felix set to open in mid-July 2024. Head to the Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace website and Club Felix Instgram for more information in the interim.