Pavement Whispers: Volume 562 June 16

Intermission
West End’s bar scene is welcoming a glamorous newcomer this week with the official launch of Intermission. The brainchild of theatre production company Strut & Fret, Intermission is the group’s first foray into the Brisbane hospitality scene – a pre- and post-show meeting place where drinks flow and eats are available until late. Transforming a street-facing space connected to Strut & Fret’s entertainment venue The West End Electric via a secret door, Intermission boasts a classic old-world aesthetic (designed by James Browne) that pays homage to London’s West End theatre district and the bistros and wine bars of Paris. A striking gold floor crafted from thousands of hand-thrown gold flakes is offset by dark wood panelling, soft white chiffon drapes, an assortment of eclectic vintage furnishings and theatre posters.

Intermission’s drinks list is described as decadent, with signature cocktails like the Choc Top Martini, Popcorn Sour and Malt-Pleaser underscore the venue’s showtime inspirations. A tight food menu features Spanish and French influences, with grazing plates like Yarra Valley caviar with potato pavé, burrata, peach and prosciutto loaded crisps, baked camembert, and luxe cheese toasties. Intermission is gearing up for its opening-weekend celebrations, which are taking place across June 19–21. The festivities will include DJ sets, an Encore Hour menu from 9:00 pm onwards and a special two-hour Sunday Service featuring Bloody Marys, spritzes and traditional empanadas.

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Hotel Terminus
After much anticipation, Ghanem Group is poised to finally open heritage-listed South Brisbane landmark Hotel Terminus – the venue formerly known as the Fox Hotel – to the public. The doors to Hotel Terminus will officially open on Saturday June 20, capping off a year-and-a-half refurbishment process that has seen the building transformed into a four-level dining, entertainment and events hub. On the ground floor will sit an all-day gastropub, public bar, gaming room and bottleshop, while upstairs you’ll find late-night cocktail lounge the Vixen Room and Fox Rooftop – a party destination that pays homage to the building’s previous guise.

Head chef Lyndon Tyers has worked with Ghanem Group executive chef Jake Nicolson on the gastropub’s culinary offering, which is all about the classics – think Moreton Bay bug rolls with coriander labneh and curry sauce, slow-cooked stout-braised sticky beef ribs, and tandoori chicken pie with creamed leek. A steak section will feature premium cuts, while on Sundays guests can saunter in for a roast lunch built around pepper-crusted prime rib, roast porchetta and slow-glazed lamb leg. Ghanem Group’s bar and beverage manager William Beverley is wrangling the drinks lists at Fox Rooftop and Vixen Room, with two different drinking experiences on offer at each bar. Hotel Terminus also houses three private-functions spaces, equipped to handle large-scale cocktail events and intimate dinners. Stay tuned for a peek inside Hotel Terminus later this week!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
A globe-spanning restaurant brand inspired by the movie Forrest Gump is set to open its first Queensland location in Brisbane’s bayside. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is opening in Sandgate on Saturday July 25, bringing with it a nostalgia-inducing aesthetic, immersive themed spaces and a seafood-centric menu of casual American comfort food with an Australian twist. With 38 restaurants spanning five continents, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has built a reputation for its family-friendly service style and approachable offering. But Bubba Gump Sandgate won’t be offering a simple copy-paste version of its US menu – local prawns, bugs and barramundi will be sourced from Queensland waters, putting an Australian spin on signature items like gumbo, prawn boil and coconut prawns. As for drinks, guests can expect schooners of Brendale’s Alamo Beer as well as a fun-forward cocktail list. Ahead of its official launch, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is hosting a Forrest Gump-themed community fun run on Saturday July 4 – click here to register.

The Charming Squire
Changes are afoot over in South Bank. Mantle Group has announced that its Grey Street restaurant and microbrewery The Charming Squire will transform into Pig ‘N’ Whistle South Bank from today. Although the sign above the door is changing, the venue’s spirit is expected to remain largely the same. Pig ‘N’ Whistle South Bank will offer a British-inspired pub experience (including a refreshed menu of favourites), a jam-packed calendar of events and live sport on multiple big screens. To celebrate the launch, a series of opening offers, events and activations will be announced in the
coming weeks.

LOVEMENOT
Fortitude Valley sando, bowl and coffee joint LOVEMENOT is overhauling its weekend-only offering, launching a playful new selection of sweets and sips this Saturday June 20. Dubbed No Strings Attached, LOVEMENOT is extending its modern dating-inspired brand identity with a selection of cinnamon scrolls and specialty beverages. Four scroll flavours will be available, including an original frosted cinnamon scroll with cream-cheese icing, a blueberry cheesecake scroll with lemon curd filling, a chocolate-chip scroll and a Kinder-inspired variation. These treats will be available alongside iced strawberry matcha with strawberry cold foam, iced pistachio matcha with pistachio cold foam, and house cold-brew coffee using Common Folk’s Godfather blend. A launch event will be taking place on Saturday from 8:00 am, with spin-the-wheel promotions and live DJs planned for the day.