Overview
Before Brisbane became home to rooftop bars atop every soaring tower in the Brisbane CBD, South Bank and Fortitude Valley, or near enough, enjoying a stunning view of the city over a drink meant heading up Mt Coot-tha. Driving to the top of the inner-west spot, scoping out the vista from the lookout, and getting sipping and eating at The Summit restaurant and cafe is one of the most Brisbane things to possibly do, no matter whether you're a local or a tourist. Come 2024, the already sky-high experience will level up — literally.
The Summit is about to undergo a revamp, with Mantle Group Hospitality lodging a development application to transform the lofty venue. That includes building a new two-level pavilion that'll replace the set-to-be-demolished cafe — and also adding a gin distillery for mountaintop G&Ts, plus a new deck with a killer outlook to the heritage-listed restaurant.
"What we are proposing is transformational, and presents The Summit as an iconic and exciting site for locals and visitors to Brisbane," said Mantle Group Hospitality owner Godfrey Mantle, announcing the proposed development.
"Both the restaurant and the cafe are in dire need of significant work, plus we want to optimise the venues to take advantage of the spectacular views. The amenities will be completely renovated and we'll landscape the surrounds to create a more appealing environment."
The existing restaurant will dedicate its top floor to dining — especially around the large fig tree that's already at the back of the site, and will be lit up for a glowing eating experience — and boast a casual bar alongside its new deck. Downstairs, the bottom level will be turned into a theatre, with a specific focus on showcasing Mt Coot-tha's history and culture, and paying tribute to the landmass' traditional Indigenous owners.
Where the cafe currently stands, the new pavilion — called the Pavilion, fittingly — will feature both dining and the gin distillery on the ground floor. Up top, there'll be a rooftop garden heroing First Nations' herbs and ingredients, as well as a new viewing platform that'll be accessed via a connecting bridge.
Bernhard Wintersperge via Flickr
Exactly when Brisbanites and travellers can hit up The Summit in its new guise hasn't been revealed yet, as that relaunch date is dependent upon the development application being approved. If the revamp gets the official go-ahead, the renovations are expected to take seven months.
Design-wise, Hogg and Lamb will be doing the honours, as the firm has with fellow Brisbane venues Tillerman, Sunshine, Bar Tano, Gemelli Italian, Lune Croissanterie, The Sound Garden and Alto.
The Summit is set to unveil its revamp at 2/1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-Tha, sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.