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Fortitude Valley

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A dedicated martini menu is available.

Penelope

Clever bistro with the feel of a 1960s or ’70s European supper club.

  • Matt Shea

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Barry Parade Public House was a welcome new presence on Brisbane’s bar scene in late 2024.

This brilliant new Brisbane bar is closing permanently

Its owners are blaming its demise on rising costs (taxes in particular) and inconsistent patronage. You have just over a week to see what made it so special.

  • Matt Shea
For food, Dark Blue serves snacks such as tinned sardines and octopus, duck cherry pate, and terrine.

Dark Blue

The follow-up to Hannah Wagner’s popular Dark Red wine bar.

  • Matt Shea
So What Stereo is a retro-styled spot that’s cooking legit Thai brunch.

So What Stereo

Thai brunch served in what feels like the ultimate retro rumpus room.

  • Matt Shea
Proposed: John McAslan + Partners design proposal for Brisbane Central shows the station opened to the sky and the Anzac Square Building. Image: John McAlsan + Partners. Pic supplied 13/02/2026.

Olympic glow-up proposed for ‘tired’ Central Station

New escalators and open-sky ceilings: How a UK-based firm plans to fix Brisbane Central’s capacity issues before the 2032 Games.

  • Cameron Atfield
Dishes at Winnifreds in Fortitude Valley.

Winnifred’s

Champagne bar-bistro hiding in plain sight in the Valley.

  • Matt Shea
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Evening light in the courtyard at Balfour Kitchen & Bar in Brisbane.

This sublime, boutique Brisbane stay is well worth discovering

There’s a dual personality here, but as much as they contrast, here at Spicers Balfour Brisbane, the two sides complement each other.

  • Jim Darby
Ambulance ramping is getting worse in Queensland, according to the AMA.

Two dead, dozens hospitalised after assaults and carnage on Queensland roads

Two people have died in separate traffic incidents and a string of crashes and assaults have left more than 30 others in hospital.

  • Cameron Atfield
Street life in Fortitude Valley, December 2025.

My suburb has a reputation for sleaze. But now Sydney and Melbourne want to emulate it

I’ve seen things here I wouldn’t tell my mother about – but this place has an incredible history – and an exciting future.

  • Matt Shea
Afternoon traffic backed up on the Story Bridge on February 13 2026.

Man charged after stolen car flips on Story Bridge causing traffic mayhem

The 31-year-old allegedly crashed one stolen vehicle before carjacking another and crashing it into several cars on the bridge.

  • Dominique Tassell