Herve's Is the Soon-to-Open French Restaurant and Bar Coming to Albion's Revamped Timber Mill

Just a few short years ago, grabbing a bite or having a drink beneath the Fortitude Valley side of the Story Bridge simply wasn't possible. Now, Howard Smith Wharves is one of the city's most popular spots. Restaurateur and entrepreneur Hervé Dudognon knows that first-hand, after holding leadership positions at the precinct — and, hopping over to Albion's transformed 100-year-old timber mill for his new venture, he's now hoping to weave that magic twice.

At Craft'd Grounds, Dudognon is the co-founder and namesake of soon-to-open French restaurant and bar Hervé's, which'll start welcoming patrons in sometime in March. "The vision has always been to create a community destination — an extension of your home that's warm and inviting," he explains.

"Brisbane has a rich dining culture, and while there's many elegant restaurants and bars in town, we've seen a real opportunity to bring a new world-class, yet relaxed approach to French-inspired dining. We want to celebrate the romance of experimenting and preparing fresh produce subtly inspired by French and Australian culture," Dudognon continues.

Husband and wife executive chef duo Alex and Chris Norman will be overseeing the kitchen — with Chris as Executive Chef and Alex as Executive Pastry Chef. Between them, the pair boasts The Square restaurant and Ritz Hotel in London, plus The Bridge Room, Merivale Group, The One & Only Resort, Palazzo Versace and Emporium Group in Australia on their resumes. Given that Dudognon's career includes stops at the Hotel De Crillon in Paris, Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, and Palazzo Versace and Merivale Group as well, the Hervé's team isn't short on hospitality experience.

The venue's menus haven't been revealed as yet, but its food range will favour top produced sourced both locally and abroad — including southeast Australian oysters. On the wine lineup, the bar will hero Australian, French and other international vino from eco-conscious winemakers.

Decor-wise, Byron Bay-based interior designer Katie Cameron has given top-floor space an intimate, homely feel. Think: timber aplenty — befitting the building's history — as well as terrazzo, soft lighting and textured fabrics, plus a clear view into the kitchen and its wood-fired oven.

When Hervé's opens its doors, it'll join a growing precinct that sprawls across the 2600-square-metres site on Collingwood Street, and takes inspiration from The Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney. Craft'd Grounds is also home to brewery Brewtide and coffee roastery Seven Miles, and will house yet-to-launch bakery and deli Brass Tacks as well.

Find Hervé's Restaurant and Bar at Level 1, Craft'd Grounds, 35 Collingwood Street, Albion, open Wednesday–Sunday, from sometime in March — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it's announced.