Overview
Call them hangouts. Call them third spaces, aka the places we gather in that aren't home or work. Call them a spot to spend an afternoon with your date or mates enjoying a few brews. Whichever you opt for, these are the types of locations that Range Brewing keeps giving Brisbane. Rays, a new corner bar in Camp Hill that's welcoming patrons through the door from Friday, October 11, 2024, is the team's latest.
Every patch of this city needs a leisurely watering hole where whiling away a few hours with a drink in your hand feels like the only thing on anyone's agendas. Range's founders Matt McIver and Gerard Martin are doing their part to make that dream a reality. They initially set up shop in Newstead, which is where their brewery is based. After that, they hopped over to the city's inner west to open Patio in Rosalie in 2023. Now comes the duo's addition to the Brissie's southside, which was first announced in August.
This is McIver and Martin's fourth venue in the city — as well as Range and Patio, they also have The Bethnal, the barrel room and event space next to Range, to their name. At Rays, the inspiration comes from European corner bars. So, the Range team has given Brisbane its version, setting up shop in a Newman Avenue space that catches the afternoon light and, in the process, honing in on the third-place concept.
"Rays is our way of helping bring that sense of connection back to the community. Whether you're stopping by for a quiet drink, catching up with friends, or celebrating something special, Rays is a place you can call your own," explains Martin.
"This neighbourhood bar is designed for comfort and connection, with plenty of spots to settle in, share a story and feel at home. We've taken the best parts of what people love about Patio and brought them to Camp Hill — like our famous fries and unmistakable tiled tables — but we've also introduced new dishes and decor that we're really excited about sharing with punters," McIver adds.
With its mid-spring launch, Rays couldn't have opened at a better time. Of ourse, expect its ten taps to be busy pouring brews through summer and, given Brisbane's usual weather, no matter the season. If you've visited Patio over the past year or so, you'll know the vibe that McIver and Martin are aiming for, and why it has proven such a hit on the other side of town.
That said, Rays sports its own look. That tiling? It comes in bright limoncello and electric blue hues, across the front bar, as well as tables indoors and out. If you get cosy at a custom-built booth, you'll also be making the most of the spotted gum timber seating. The mood across the entire venue: playful.
And if you're keen to check out Rays during its opening period, it's keeping a 50-50 mix of tables for reservations and walk-ins.
Beer isn't the only thing to sip here. The drinks menu also spans seven different cocktails — three of them spritzes — as well as a small range of spirits, plus red, white, sparkling, rosé and orange wines by both the glass and the bottle.
As for the food, options include panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel, fish sandos, gildas and eight types of pizzas, plus lamb ribs, halloumi fries, and shoestring fries paired with southern herbs and spices.
Find Rays at 4 Newman Avenue, Camp Hill from Friday, October 11, 2024 — and head to the venue's website and Instagram for more details.