Overview
Just like burger, doughnut and fried chicken joints, Brisbane doesn't lack riverside watering holes; however there's always room for one more. Due to revamp the waterline expanse in Eagle Street in the CBD, Riverland is the city's next bar and beer garden with a shimmering view, with construction underway for a spring launch.
Sitting behind Emirates House and boasting Brissie's biggest river frontage, Riverland aims to make the most of its enviable location, not only offering a new all-day drinking spot with a stellar vantage, but five street kitchens as well. Fashioned out of two 12-metre containers, the permanent island bar will serve a range of beer and ciders spanning domestic, international, craft and micro-brewed, shining a particular spotlight on local breweries. Elsewhere, three other six-metre shipping containers will be converted into space for one regular and four rotating food vendors.
With the design task falling to architecture firm Burton & Carter, Riverland will feature a blend of timber and greenery, with both combined in an arbour entryway. Keeping the natural feel, as well as keeping the city's usual subtropical vibe going, the venue will also retain the existing trees onsite.
Throw in a planned entertainment slate of acoustic performances and DJs, and the scene is set for a welcoming river-adjacent hangout. "It's all about the location," says part owner and venue manager Gerard Coakley. "The focus at all times is the Brisbane River," he continues. Riverland is the latest venture from Open Arms Hospitality, who are making their first moves in Brisbane after operating a string of places, bars and hotels in Victoria and NSW.
Find Riverland at 167 Eagle Street, Brisbane from spring. Keep an eye on the bar's website and Facebook page for further information.
Image: Jorge Láscar via Flickr