Swinging open its double doors this Thursday is the long-awaited Naldham House, and trust us when we tell you this is going to be one of the biggest openings of the year. Restored to its former glory but with even more grandeur, this heritage-listed building has been transformed into a social club after a decade of laying idle, and has found a new lease on life as a multi-level dining, drinking and events space with three distinct venues inside, the Naldham House Brasserie and Terrace, Club Felix and a yet-to-be announced top level venue.
The crew behind the stunningly restored spot is Brisbane hospitality group Dap & Co., co-owned by Andrew Baturo, Denis Sheahan and Paul Piticco, who are also behind The Gresham and Walter’s Steakhouse—so they have plenty of experience refurbishing heritage-listed buildings and turning them into stellar venues. Located on the corner of Mary and Felix Street, it’s impossible to miss with its historical white façade, however inside you’ll find a dramatic spectacle of 1110 colours, patterns and textiles (no really, they counted). Designed together with renowned interior designer, Anna Spiro, this vibrant jewel-toned hub rolls nostalgia, elegance and eclectic charm all into one.
Outside, a newly added terrace with room for 120 features its own bar and glimpses of the Brisbane River, while inside on the ground floor you’ll find the brassiere, which takes its inspiration from grand hotel lobbies from across the globe. Whether you slide into a circular leather booth, sink into a patterned lounge chair or perch at a table underneath the imposing library, here you can expect to find delectable delights hailing from the brasseries of Europe.
If you’re just here for drinks and snacks, sup on small plates like beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and scallops with spicy nduja, or head out to the terrace for smoked mortadella and adobo croquettes, king prawns on toast and boujee cheeseburgers. For those who are settling in though, the menu offers up main plates like beef cheek bourguignon pithivier, braised oxtail ragu and a dry-aged pork tomahawk to pair with pommes fondantes and roasted baby carrots.
While you dine, you can prime yourself with beverages from the brasserie’s impressive cocktail list, which boasts concoctions like the 'Peche & Honey Julep' with Buffalo Trace Bourbon infused with honey and mint and the 'Pomme Florale' with Ink Gin, rose liqueur, watermelon, soda, prosecco and kaffir lime. On the wine side, both seasonal European wines and Australian drops are covered.
Post-dinner, or just anytime you need a late night bite, you can head upstairs to Club Felix, a supper-club style space with a silky oak timber bar and plush lounges in Yves Klein Blue. Dishing up an entirely distinct menu of snacks and small plates, world-class cocktails and Coravin wines, Club Felix is also available for private events—so tell your engaged friends now.
The third level offering is being kept completely under wraps for now, but stay tuned. Until then, the brassiere and terrace are open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, or you can head up the stairs to Club Felix of an evening from Wednesday to Saturday. Get all the details .
Image credit: Supplied