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Discover BY.Artisans, West End’s New Distillery and Bar

Distillery and bar BY.Artisans has opened its doors at Jane Street in West End, offering a unique fusion of craft, community, and culinary delight in the area.

Read: Meet West End’s Newest French Bistro (By Day, It’s Your Favourite Bakery)

Officially launched on November 28, this new venue is set to become a must-visit destination for those who appreciate artisanal spirits, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and immersive experiences.

BY.Artisans isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. From morning coffee to late-night cocktails, the venue offers a curated menu of bites and beverages that draw on Italian and Mediterranean influences. Whether relaxing in their café with locally inspired fare or enjoying a signature cocktail at the bar, visitors are invited to savour the artistry behind every creation.

At the core of the venue is its craft distillery, where artisanal spirits take centre stage. Their signature gin, The West Ender, combines botanicals with Australian flora, delivering a sweet yet subtly spiced flavour profile that embodies the essence of the locale.

Beyond the Glass

BY.Artisans is more than a distillery and bar—it’s an experience. In 2025, they will elevate their offerings with a series of hands-on workshops designed to immerse participants in the art and science of spirit production. These workshops will cover topics like spirit blending, botanical distillation, and creative uses for byproducts.

“These workshops will provide an educational platform for individuals interested in understanding the intricate processes involved in creating high-quality spirits, as well as the innovative use of byproducts,” the company shared on their website.

Meet the Visionary Behind BY.Artisans

Co-founder and Master Distiller Alexander Bell is the driving force behind BY.Artisans. A chemical engineer with a passion for innovation and sustainability, Bell has designed a custom still apparatus that embodies environmentally conscious practices and precision craftsmanship. His dedication to pushing boundaries ensures that every creation from the distillery is both innovative and exceptional.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re drawn by expertly crafted drinks, the opportunity to learn through immersive workshops, or the chance to shop for handmade treasures, BY.Artisans offers something for everyone.

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday: By appointment

Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Read: The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret

Visit BY.Artisans at 99 Jane Street, West End, and immerse yourself in a world where craft and creativity come together.

Published 2-December-2024

Scaled-Back Plans Revealed for Controversial West End Riverfront Site

In a significant shift from previous contentious plans, a new development proposal for a prime West End riverfront block promises to reshape the neighbourhood’s landscape with a more measured approach to urban living.

Read: Prime West End Riverfront Site Acquired for $63.5-M

Traders in Purple, the site’s new owners, have unveiled a reimagined blueprint for the 117 Victoria Street property that dramatically scales back the original ambitious development.

Where Crown Group previously sought to erect towers accommodating up to 473 apartments, the new development application presents a more restrained vision: two 12-storey towers housing just 164 apartments, accompanied by a separate two-storey block of luxury terrace homes.

The transformation, designed by architects at Rothelowman, is striking. Having purchased the site for $63.5 million – a substantial profit from the $35 million paid six years earlier – Traders in Purple are positioning themselves as responsive developers attuned to community concerns and site-specific challenges.

Key to the new proposal is a significant emphasis on green space and urban livability. The development promises extensive gardens strategically placed on several corners, a central communal space, and carefully designed laneways that will connect the towers through an integrated podium. This approach represents a notable departure from the previous, more densely packed plans that drew local opposition.

Traffic and environmental considerations have been central to the redesign. By reducing the number of apartments, the developers argue they’ll generate less traffic pressure at the critical Victoria Street and Montague Road intersection. The parking strategy has also been carefully reconsidered, with spaces planned for a partial basement and within the podium to minimise site disturbance.

Interestingly, the new plans emerge at a time when recent council planning amendments would have permitted even taller towers to address housing demand in well-serviced transport areas. Instead, Traders in Purple have opted for a more conservative approach, citing the need to address land contamination constraints and current construction challenges.

The company, an established developer with projects across Australia, appears to be making a calculated bet on quality over quantity. By offering fewer but potentially more premium apartments in a thoughtfully designed environment, they’re signalling a different philosophy of urban development.

Read: Luxury Meets Community: Inside West End’s Latest Multi-Million Dollar Penthouse Sale

For West End residents and urban planners, this proposal represents an intriguing case study in adaptive urban design – one that seeks to balance density, community needs, and environmental considerations.

Published 20-November-2024

Street Spotlight: Glenfield St, West End

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

With an impressive average tenure residents, many families have called Glenfield Street, West End home for decades, contributing to its warm and enduring neighborhood character. This unique street stands as a shining example of the close-knit lifestyle that makes West End so special.

Glenfield, West End Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 27
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 20 years, 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 83%

Glenfield, West End – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON Glenfield St, West End

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
7 Glenfield, West End	$110,000	Nov, 1983
29 Glenfield, West End	$310,000	Jan, 1989
11 Glenfield, West End	$755,000	Sep, 1996

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in West End in 2024 was $1,560.000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in West End in 2020 was $988,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN West End SINCE 2020 : $572,000

The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2024 was $478,000
The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2020 was $372,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1 BEDROOM UNIT IN West End SINCE 2020 : $106,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2024 was $751,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2020 was $530,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN West End SINCE 2020 : $221,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2024 was $1,635,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in West End in 2020 was $939,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN West End SINCE 2020 : $696,000

If you know Glenfield St, West End well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

West End Recycling Centre Inspires Young Minds

A group of Year 1 students from St James Catholic School in Coorparoo recently embarked on an educational excursion to the TOMRA West End Recycling Centre.

The visit aimed to foster a deeper understanding of recycling and the circular economy.

A particular highlight of the tour was the opportunity to interact with the innovative Tip n’ Go machines. These machines, designed to streamline the container return process, allow users to tip a bag of containers into a large opening, eliminating manual sorting.

The students were captivated by the technology and the efficiency of the process. One student expressed excitement about the quick and easy process, while another was fascinated by the ability to watch the machine sort each container on a screen.

The Year 1 teacher, Miss Ashleigh Hogan, praised the experience, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

The visit to the recycling centre was seen as a fun and engaging way to instil a sense of environmental responsibility in the young students.

Published Date 15-November-2024

Community Comes Together to Save Burger Time 69

West End’s beloved Burger Time 69 has launched an urgent fundraising campaign after severe damage from a neighbouring business’s ram-raid and fire on 7 November.

Read: The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret

Community hub at risk

Burger Time 69 on Boundary Street, known for its friendly atmosphere and long-serving staff, may face closure without community support. This popular local meeting spot has seen team members Terry, Jess, and Florine serving the community for over seven years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Burger Time 69 (@burgertime_69)

Owner Nathan Ghanbari is facing significant challenges after discovering his insurance won’t cover the damage. With the neighbouring property also uninsured, his business is left without recourse for the thousands of dollars in lost stock and necessary repairs.

To help maintain staff employment, replace destroyed stock, and fund essential repairs, the restaurant has set up a GoFundMe campaign. It states that even a “couple of dollars … spent on fries” could help this valued community-focused team get back on its feet.

“Without your help, we will lose the great team we all love, and will put the business in dire stress trying to reopen,” Ghanbari explains, emphasising the challenge of starting over so soon after taking ownership two months ago.

Proceeds from the campaign will go towards “restoring any damage, paying staff as so not to lose them until we can re-open, [and] restoring stock,” among other things.

Read: West End Shisha Bar Destroyed in Overnight Ram Raid and Fire

Help Burger Time 69

Community members can support Burger Time 69’s recovery by contributing to their GoFundMe campaign here. The goal is to restore its role as a local gathering spot and preserve its contribution to West End’s vibrant food scene. As of 16 November, the campaign is already 47% of the way towards reaching its $10,000 target.

Published 16-November-2024

The West End Electric Powers Up with Global Circus Sensation Strut & Fret

Brisbane’s cultural landscape is about to get a whole lot fizzier as global production powerhouse Strut & Fret brings their champagne-inspired circus-cabaret spectacular, Blanc de Blanc Encore, to the city’s newest entertainment venue, The West End Electric.

Read: West End Electric: New Theatre Opens with Dazzling LIMBO

The show, which has already intoxicated audiences at the Sydney Opera House, arrives in Brisbane just in time for the festive season, with previews beginning November 14 before the official cork-popping opening night on November 21.

From Local Roots to Global Heights

Strut & Fret — Photo credit: Blanc de Blanc/Facebook

For Creative Director Scott Maidment, bringing the show to Brisbane marks a special homecoming. “Since we opened The West End Electric in September, it’s been a treat to spend more time back home in Brisbane, where Sarah Stewart and I started the company over 20 years ago,” says Maidment, whose directing credits include work with Madonna and successful seasons of the original Blanc de Blanc in London’s West End and Las Vegas.

International Star Power

The production brings together a constellation of international talent, with choreography by Kevin Maher, whose work has graced the stages of pop icons Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Madonna. The show’s visual allure is enhanced by James Browne’s costumes, while Danish electronic artist Kenneth Bager provides the pulsating soundtrack.

A World-Class Cast

The ensemble reads like a who’s who of global circus talent, featuring Cirque du Soleil alumni and performers who have shared stages with contemporary music stars like Dua Lipa and Tones and I.

From Canadian comedian-acrobat Felix Pouliot to American aerial innovator Caitlin Tomson-Moylan, the cast brings together diverse talents from across the globe. Local audiences can look forward to seeing Perth’s own Jackie Chambers and Jess Mews alongside international stars like South African vocalist Sasha Lee Saunders and Ukrainian movement artist Misha.

More Than Just Circus

Blanc de Blanc Encore by Strut & Fret promises to transform The West End Electric from a sophisticated French lounge into a high-energy nightclub, combining world-class acrobatics with comedy, music, and plenty of surprises. The show’s previous success at prestigious venues worldwide speaks to its unique appeal, blending classic circus arts with contemporary entertainment.

Practical Details

The show runs Wednesday through Sunday with multiple performance times, making it an ideal choice for both holiday celebrations and group events. With tickets starting from $64 and special options available for group bookings, audiences are encouraged to secure their seats early for what promises to be one of Brisbane’s most talked-about entertainment events of the season.

Read: Inside Cobbler West End, Brisbane’s ‘Hidden’ Cocktail Haven

The West End Electric, located at 125 Boundary Street, adds another jewel to Brisbane’s cultural crown, bringing world-class entertainment to the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant precincts.

Published 16-November-2024

Final Chapter: Sekisui Tweaks Callista on Park Plans in West Village

Photo Credit: DA A006116369

West Village is set to conclude its decade-long transformation with a revised design for its final stage, Callista on Park.

Developer Sekisui House Australia has submitted updated plans to Brisbane City Council, aiming to cater to a broader demographic in response to evolving market conditions.

Originally envisioned as a 74-apartment tower comprising solely three and four-bedroom residences, Callista on Park will now feature 96 apartments, including a significant increase in two-bedroom options. This adjustment reflects the growing demand for smaller, more affordable apartments.

The revised design, crafted by Rothelowman, maintains the building’s 15-storey height and key architectural elements, such as the rooftop garden and ground-floor childcare centre.

However, the facade has been refined to incorporate natural stone and contrasting materials, harmonising with the heritage-listed Peter’s Ice Cream Factory.

Sekisui’s West Village development has garnered numerous awards for its innovative design and integration of heritage elements into a contemporary urban setting.

The completion of Callista on Park will mark the final chapter in this successful project.

Published Date 13-November-2024

West End Locals Petition to Keep Free South Brisbane Loop Service

West End residents are expressing frustration over the decision to cut the free South Brisbane Loop that has served as an essential transport option for locals navigating West End and South Brisbane.

Starting in early 2024 as a temporary service, the South Brisbane Loop (Route 86) quickly gained traction among West End’s residents, including retirees and students who relied on the bus to access schools, businesses, and community services.

Council announced recently that the free route, which travels along Montague Road, Vulture Street, and nearby areas, would be cancelled by year’s end. The decision has spurred community outcry, including a petition with over 1,200 signatures requesting the bus be kept.

The Purpose of the South Brisbane Loop

The South Brisbane Loop, which began as a 12-month trial, was extended in early 2024 to provide easy access to the area’s key cultural and entertainment sites. It was introduced to offset some of the disruptions caused by the Brisbane Metro Project, and to encourage locals and tourists alike to use public transport instead of cars.

The bus, easily recognisable with its green and white design, made regular stops at popular sites such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Theatre, and Davies Park, as well as providing local access to South Bank and Brisbane State High School.

The South Brisbane Loop was intended as a temporary service to help locals build a habit of using public transport while easing traffic congestion. Cr Krista Adams said the route had always been a short-term solution and reported lower ridership than Brisbane’s other free bus loops. Over six months, the South Brisbane Loop reported a patronage of nearly 56,000 riders, whereas other loops, such as the Spring Hill Loop, attracted more than 180,000 riders.

Community Response to the Planned Cancellation

West End resident Jan Wild, who moved to the suburb partly for its public transport access, shared her disappointment, noting that the route had allowed her to rely less on car transport. With Vulture Street’s hilly terrain and an aging spine that makes carrying loads difficult, Ms Wild explained that the bus helped her easily reach essential services and businesses. Many other locals agreed, stating they would face challenges getting around the area without this free service.

Gabba Ward Cr Trina Massey has also expressed support for the continuation of the loop, suggesting that the trial succeeded by meeting the unique needs of West End’s growing population. With projections indicating that South Brisbane’s residential population may double by 2036, Ms Massey argued that reliable and accessible public transport is more critical than ever for the suburb.

Alternative Options and Future Plans

Despite community calls for a permanent free service, the council has decided to end funding. Ms Adams indicated that while the route’s trial was appreciated, its lower patronage made it less viable than other free services. She added that public transport options are still available for residents, such as the City Glider and routes 196 and 199, which run through parts of the inner city, though they don’t fully cover the areas served by Route 86.

A new bus route, 197, is expected to start running soon and will connect South Brisbane and Woolloongabba, but West End will be left out of this coverage.

Meanwhile, additional improvements to the city’s transport network will be rolling out as part of preparations for the 2032 Olympics, including upgrades to public spaces and routes. However, West End residents are concerned that these changes may not directly address their immediate transport needs, especially for those who have come to rely on the free route for daily activities.

Published 14-Nov-2024

West End to Join Brisbane’s Expanded CityLink Cycleway Network

The CityLink Cycleway has been expanded with two major extensions, creating a continuous four-kilometre active transport corridor linking East Brisbane and West End.

Read: Brisbane’s Inner-City Shake-up: Radical Parking Changes Proposed in West End, Other Areas

The latest expansion will establish an 800-metre dedicated bikeway along Melbourne Street, from Victoria Bridge to Boundary Street in West End, providing residents with a safe and direct route to the CBD and surrounding areas.

Stage three of the CityLink Cycleway project includes two key components. First, a new 1.2-kilometre shared path connecting Deakin Street at Kangaroo Point to Shafston Avenue at East Brisbane. Second, the West End extension along Melbourne Street to Boundary Street.

“CityLink Cycleway was always about creating an inner-city cycling and scooting spine, that we could build out into the suburbs to make it more attractive for residents and visitors to use active transport in Brisbane,” said Chair for Transport Cr Ryan Murphy.

“The delivery of this project will ensure residents of the eastern suburbs and West End can look forward to using a safe and separated connection to the CBD and beyond.

The expanded network will integrate with several crucial infrastructure pieces. The 460-metre Kangaroo Point Bridge, opening December 15, will connect with the 200-metre Main and Deakin Street Story Bridge underpass and existing CBD cycleways to create a seamless journey for cyclists and pedestrians.

Construction is already in progress along Melbourne Street between Victoria Bridge and Cordelia Street, with completion expected in the next financial year. The project will create a continuous protected route for cyclists and e-scooter users, enhancing safety and accessibility for daily commuters and recreational riders.

The expansion aims to fill critical gaps in Brisbane’s inner-city network, creating more opportunities for residents to choose active transportation options. Once completed, the network will provide separated cycling and scooting paths, direct connections between five inner-city suburbs, two river crossing points, and reduced travel times between key destinations.

The new Kangaroo Point Bridge is expected to deliver significant time savings for active transport users, with up to 50% reduction in cycling commute times. Cyclists travelling between eastern suburbs and the CBD will save up to 15 minutes on their journey, while pedestrians can expect to save up to 30 minutes.

Read: Toowong to West End Green Bridge Project Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Brisbane Budget Cuts

Initial investigations for the new stages are currently underway, with detailed design and community consultation planned for next year. The project represents a collaborative effort between local and state governments to enhance Brisbane’s active transport infrastructure.

Published 13-November-2024

Meet West End’s Newest French Bistro (By Day, It’s Your Favourite Bakery)

Banette is a bakery bringing the authentic flavours and warmth of French cuisine to Brisbane. What began as a beloved French bakery has now evolved into something even more special, with the launch of their intimate bistro at their West End location.

Read: Inside Cobbler West End, Brisbane’s ‘Hidden’ Cocktail Haven

From Bakery to Bistro

Photo credit: Banette West End/Google Maps

The bakery has long been treasured for its exceptional French pastries and breads. Their baguettes are a testament to traditional French baking – featuring a perfectly crusty exterior that gives way to a beautifully textured interior.

Among their most sought-after offerings is the ham and cheese croissant, a savoury delight that keeps customers coming back. The kouign amann, a crisp layered pastry with a caramelised sugar crust, offers a sweet counterpoint that showcases the kitchen’s mastery of French pastry techniques.

Now, on Friday and Saturday evenings, the West End location transforms into a cosy French bistro. The carefully curated menu features authentic French dishes that transport diners straight to the streets of Paris.

From the delicate Mimosa Egg Crunchy and classic Charcuterie Plate to start, to heartwarming main courses like Beef Bourguignon and Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille Pie, each dish tells a story of French culinary tradition. The dining experience concludes with beloved desserts such as Chocolate Fondant and Crème Brûlée, alongside a thoughtfully selected Cheese Plate.

A Personal Journey

bistro — Banette founder Thierry Devis (Photo credit: banette.com.au)

Behind Banette’s success stands Thierry Devis, whose connection to French cuisine runs deep. “I’ve been in the food industry since childhood and have been importing French ingredients to Australia for 12 years,” he shares. “During this time, I collaborated extensively with some of the finest French bakers in Australia, which ignited my passion for food, particularly bakery and patisserie products.”

For Mr Devis, Banette represents more than just a business venture. “My enthusiasm isn’t just about the products themselves; it’s also a way for me to share my French culture, our culinary traditions, history, and the rich tapestry of flavours and creativity that define us,” he explained.

Two Locations, One Vision

Banette now serves Brisbane from two locations – Rosalie and West End. While both offer their renowned baked goods, the West End location, situated in the Light and Co Apartments, provides the additional charm of their bistro experience. It’s here that customers can fully immerse themselves in the warm, inviting atmosphere of a traditional French dining establishment.

Read: ‘August’ Restaurant to Open in Heritage-Listed Church in West End

Whether you’re stopping by for a morning croissant or settling in for an evening of French cuisine, Banette offers a genuine taste of France in the heart of Brisbane. The West End Bistro is open from 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit their website for more details.

Published 12-November-2024