Overview
The humble neighbourhood pub will always hold a soft spot in every Australian's heart. We all live near one. We've all spent time in one. They're the places that you can mosey to just because the feeling hits, and the venues where you can while away many an hour over several brews. And, perfect for the Aussie climate, they're usually home to sunny, breezy beer gardens.
Over the past few years in Brisbane, neighbourhood pubs are just the kind of spots that Australian Venue Co has been revamping, because the nationwide hospitality company owns quite a few in the River City. In the last 12 months alone, the Cleveland Sands, Salisbury Hotel, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche and Bribie Island Hotel have all unveiled facelifts. Now joining that list: Capalaba's Koala Tavern.
Just in time for summer, this popular Redlands pub has reopened after a $3-million renovation, complete with plenty of features that'll come in handy for the warm weather. That includes a new fairy light-lit beer garden with seats, cushions, benches and umbrellas aplenty, giving patrons a whole heap of options for eating and drinking al fresco. And, for visitors with kids in tow, there's a new play area as well.
The rest of the venue has also been given a makeover, as seen in the new-look bistro, as well as the sports bar that's been turned into an entertainment hub. The latter will now host local and touring bands, and is also decked out with screens showing sport. Head by on Tuesdays for trivia, too, and on Thursdays for 'Blues and Brews' evenings.
As for the menu — another big drawcard at any neighbourhood pub — Koala Tavern's new culinary lineup heroes classic Australian pub grub. Yes, that means chicken schnitzels and parmas, beer-battered fish and chips (in XXXX, being Queensland), rumps and eye fillets, salt and pepper calamari, caesar salads and steak sandwiches. The garlic bread range includes a bacon and cheese version, bacon mac 'n' cheese croquettes are also on offer, and the house pie changes weekly but always comes stacked with onion rings on top.
Another humble favourite, the rotisserie chicken, also gets some love here. You can order a serving of it with sourdough stuffing, slaw and chips, or grab a warm roast chicken roll.
And for dessert? Warm bread and butter pudding, chocolate brownies and blueberry cheesecake.
Cocktail fans will also find two kinds of spritzes on the menu — strawberry and river mint, and ginger and mango — plus classics like Long Island iced teas, margaritas, espresso martinis, sparkling raspberry negronis and creaming soda highballs.
To celebrate its big relaunch, the venue is hosting a three-day 'welcome weekend' shindig across Friday, November 25–Sunday, November 27, and bringing in its namesake with a D'Aguilar Wildlife koala handler show.
An important note: stopping by during the festivities could also score you a free hot chook roll.
Find the Koala Tavern at 36-40 Moreton Bay Road, Capalaba — open 10am–late seven days a week.
Images: Kirra Smith.