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Flying Colours Is Painting West End with Good Times and Great Taste

Flying Colours is West End’s latest go-to spot for laid-back vibes, top-tier drinks, and a menu that champions simple yet refined flavours. Opened in July 2023 by Simon Martin—the mastermind behind Super Whatnot—this Vulture Street gem offers a fresh take on Brisbane’s hospitality scene, blending trendsetting charm with a welcoming atmosphere.

Read: Mick’s Nuts: Long-Standing West End Tradition

Whether you’re lounging in the leafy courtyard under pastel-hued, tassel-fringed umbrellas, sinking into the cosy warehouse-style dining room, or vibing to Brisbane’s best DJs in the side bar, Flying Colours is designed for easygoing enjoyment. As their motto suggests, “It’s nice here, too.”

Photo credit: Stuart Robinson/Google Maps

The drinks list is carefully curated to match the venue’s relaxed yet sophisticated feel. Expect a selection of tasty beers, natural-leaning wines, and seasonal cocktails that are perfect for sipping in any of the inviting spaces. And when it comes to food, Flying Colours delivers with a menu driven by high-quality produce and bold yet uncomplicated flavours.

Photo credit: Dionne Hoekstra/Google Maps

Pizza lovers will appreciate the attention to detail in every bite. Hand-stretched and left to ferment for at least 48 hours, the dough develops a depth of flavour that sets it apart. Each pizza is a balance of crisp, chewy, and delightfully nuanced, making them an undeniable highlight of the menu.

Other standouts include flash-fried baby squid with chilli and caper aioli, pan-fried artichoke hearts with capers and caramelised onion, and rich, flavour-packed arancini featuring porcini, shiitake, cashew e pepe, and pecorino.

Beyond food and drinks, Flying Colours brings a sensory experience that’s hard to beat. A giant disco ball casts twinkling lights across the dining room, while the listening lounge comes alive with a rotating roster of DJs spinning vinyl. It’s a spot where music, atmosphere, and flavour come together seamlessly.

Read: Brisbane’s Coffee Mentality Puts West End on the World Coffee Map

Whether you’re dropping by for a drink, sharing a pizza with friends, or losing yourself in the rhythm of the music, Flying Colours embodies everything West End is known for—effortless cool, great taste, and a sense of community. If you haven’t been yet, consider this your cue to check it out.

Published 8-March-2025

West End’s Future: Skyscrapers Rising Above the Floodplain

West End is an area of striking contrasts—historic charm meets rapid urban growth, all set against the backdrop of one undeniable reality: it is a floodplain. Yet, despite its vulnerability, the demand for inner-city living continues to fuel high-rise developments in the area.

Read: West End’s Skyline Evolves: Inside the Suburb’s Latest Construction Boom

Former Olympian and managing director of renowned firm Stockwell, Mark Stockwell, acknowledged that while West End’s flood risks are significant, innovative urban planning and resilient design can make living in the area safer.

He emphasised the importance of recognising Brisbane’s floodplain status and implementing strategic plans to ensure new buildings can withstand potential flooding. Mr Stockwell believes developers are now making smarter and safer choices when constructing in flood-prone areas.

Learning from the Past, Building for the Future

Photo credit: Brisbane Flood Awareness Map

West End has been hit hard by past floods, particularly in 2011 and 2022, when the Brisbane River surged into streets and homes. Mr Stockwell himself has had to retrofit older buildings, adding floodgates and relocating critical infrastructure like transformers and substations to higher ground.

New high-rise developments in the area are incorporating lessons learned from these disasters. Three 50-storey skyscrapers have been proposed on the site of an old concrete factory on notorious Nott Street.

Artist’s impression for Nott St (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/ A006677654)

The plans include 370 residential units built above the highest recorded Brisbane River flood level, factoring in climate change projections for the next 75 years. The design also reserves 75 per cent of the site as green space, which can absorb excess water during extreme weather events.

Floodplain — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/ A006677654

Retail spaces on the ground floors of these buildings are being designed for resilience. Unlike traditional units, businesses such as coffee shops and dog groomers occupy these lower levels, with power and water connections placed high to allow for quick evacuation before floodwaters arrive. Once the water recedes, the spaces can be easily hosed down and reopened.

Mr Stockwell noted that infrastructure changes have been necessary, including relocating transformers and substations from basements to higher levels and securing sewer lids to prevent backups.

The Height Advantage

One major shift in development thinking is the move to elevate residential units. Mr Stockwell observes that while older buildings once had residences starting at street level, today’s designs place the first living floors at what would have been the third storey in previous constructions. Essential utilities, like air-conditioning and power plants, are now positioned on rooftops instead of vulnerable basements.

A City-Wide Dilemma

Brisbane has plans for 10,000 additional homes in West End, catering to growing demand. Build-to-rent and luxury living options are at the heart of this expansion, particularly for young professionals seeking an urban lifestyle. However, the question remains: can the city balance housing needs with flood safety?

Developments must integrate flood safety measures, including floodgates, pumps, and real-time flood alerts, ensuring that residents are prepared for potential emergencies.

Read: Prime West End Riverfront Site Sold for $50M

A New Era of Flood-Resilient Living

Despite the risks, West End is evolving into a model for flood-conscious urban living. Developers like Mr Stockwell are pushing forward with projects designed to withstand Brisbane’s unpredictable climate, creating a city that adapts rather than retreats.

As skyscrapers rise above the floodplain, West End is proving that with the right planning, it is possible to live with water rather than fear it.

Published 6-March-2025

Mick’s Nuts: Long-Standing West End Tradition

Mick’s Nuts, a small shop in West End, has served its community for 50 years, maintaining its original charm and product quality, and becoming a local landmark.

A History of Tradition

Established in 1972, Mick’s Nuts on Hardgrave Road has remained a constant in the ever-changing landscape of West End. Brothers George and Emmanuel Conias, the current owners, took over the business in 2014 from the Kallis family, which had run it for 42 years.

The Conias brothers have prioritised preserving the shop’s traditional feel, heeding the advice of long-time customers who urged them not to change a thing. The shop’s distinctive graffiti-style signage, which replaced an old Coca-Cola sign, symbolises its enduring character. The sign came about when a local artist graffitied the old sign, and the then-owners paid him to complete his work.

Community and Connection

Mick’s Nuts is more than just a shop; it’s a community hub. Staff members, like Helen Lagos, who has worked there for 26 years, have seen generations of customers grow. The shop’s atmosphere fosters a sense of family, and staff and customers feel connected.

The shop serves a diverse clientele, reflecting the multicultural nature of West End, and has become a place where people from various backgrounds come together. The shop’s past owner, Mick, passed away in 2022 at age 91.

Products and Quality

The shop offers a wide range of products, including nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and olives, with many items sourced locally or imported from Greece. They also create products on site, such as their popular peanut butter. The Conias brothers believe that buying in bulk and roasting nuts on site ensures the freshness and quality of their products.

This commitment to quality has earned them a loyal customer base, with some customers even ordering online from interstate. The shop also offers online sales, allowing those who cannot physically visit the store to access their products. The online store emphasises the freshness and variety of its products.

Local Impact

Mick’s Nuts has become an integral part of West End’s identity. The shop’s presence reminds the suburb of its history, particularly its connection to the Greek immigrant community. The shop has maintained relevance by focusing on quality products and community connection, becoming a local landmark.

Published Date 03-March-2025

Brisbane’s Coffee Mentality Puts West End on the World Coffee Map

Brisbane-based coffee roastery Coffee Mentality, which began as a humble coffee van at West End Markets, has achieved global recognition after securing Overall Runner-Up at the 2025 Golden Bean World Series. The competition, held in Guatemala, is the world’s largest and most prestigious coffee roasting championship, attracting the best from the USA, East Asia, and Australia.

2025 Golden Bean World Series — *Photo Credit: Coffee Mentality/Instagram*

From Market Stalls to World-Class Recognition

Founded by Ian Abadiano, Coffee Mentality has grown from a West End Markets coffee van into a respected specialty roastery with a Gabba-based roasting facility and three stores in Stones Corner and South Brisbane. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality roasting has led to its global success.

At the 2025 Golden Bean World Series, Coffee Mentality took home Silver in the Milk-Based category, Bronze in the Filter category, and ultimately finished as Overall Runner-Up—an extraordinary feat for a local Brisbane roastery competing against some of the biggest names in the coffee industry.

A Win for Brisbane’s Specialty Coffee Scene

The Golden Bean World Series is often regarded as the Olympics of coffee, with over 180 top coffee brands competing in various categories. Coffee Mentality’s success proves that Brisbane’s specialty coffee scene is capable of standing toe-to-toe with globally renowned coffee destinations.

Mr Abadiano shared that they have always been driven by core values of people, passion, and planet. The award is a testament to the hardworking farmers who grow the beans they proudly serve.

In a symbolic gesture of gratitude, Coffee Mentality presented one of their medals to the Colombian coffee growers behind their award-winning beans. This move highlights their commitment to ethical sourcing and recognition of the effort that goes into every cup of coffee.

Sustainability and Innovation at Coffee Mentality

Beyond roasting award-winning coffee, Coffee Mentality champions sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Their Gabba roastery offers a Coffee Tasting Experience, educating customers on repurposing coffee byproducts such as cascara (dried coffee cherry skin) and chaff. These sustainability efforts earned them a Finalist spot in BCC’s WasteSmart Awards.

Their mission remains clear: to deliver exceptional coffee while uplifting the communities involved in its production.

*Photo Credit: Coffee Mentality/Instagram*

Brisbane’s Coffee Industry Gains Global Attention

Coffee Mentality’s Golden Bean achievements firmly place West End and Brisbane on the world coffee map. As the brand grows, its success inspires other Australian roasters to achieve global recognition.

With its commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, Coffee Mentality proves that great coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about the people behind it.

Published 4-Mar-2025

Queensland Ballet Begins New Chapter Under New Artistic Director Ivan Gil-Ortega

West End’s Queensland Ballet has entered a new chapter with the appointment of Ivan Gil-Ortega as its artistic director. The Spanish-born dancer and choreographer steps into the role following the unexpected resignation of Li Cunxin, who led the company for 11 years and placed it firmly on the world stage.

Read: Queensland Ballet Studio in West End Opens Doors to Aspiring Male Dancers

Gil-Ortega brings a wealth of experience, having spent a decade as a principal artist with Stuttgart Ballet (1997-2007) and a season with Dutch National Ballet (2007-2008). His career has seen him perform in numerous acclaimed productions and collaborate as a guest artist with prestigious ballet companies worldwide, including Ballet of Santiago de Chile, Bayerisches Staatsballett, Finnish National Ballet, Croatian National Ballet, and West Australian Ballet, among others.

Ivan Gil-Ortega — Photo credit: Queensland Ballet/Facebook

Having previously performed with Queensland Ballet in its sellout Strictly Gershwin seasons in 2016 and 2023, Gil-Ortega is no stranger to the company. Now, as artistic director, he is looking ahead to shaping its future. While the 2025 season, including Romeo and Juliet (March) and Dangerous Liaisons (October), is already set, he is working on his vision for 2026.

He described this transition as a fresh start, emphasising the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. He expressed optimism about what the company could accomplish in the coming years.

Gil-Ortega aims to build on the company’s strong foundations while balancing artistic ambition with financial sustainability. He is also keen to attract younger audiences, supporting initiatives like Peter and the Wolf, which will be performed at Queensland Ballet’s West End home in June.

Read: Collectivo Brings Chamber Music Innovation to Thomas Dixon Centre, West End

Having spent recent years in Switzerland, he is now settling into life in Brisbane. The company has welcomed him warmly, presenting him with a toy kookaburra, a book on dangerous Australian creatures, and a jar of Vegemite. Ivan Gil-Ortega acknowledged the warmth of his reception and is embracing the start of his four-year tenure in Queensland.

Published 26-February-2025

Collectivo Brings Chamber Music Innovation to Thomas Dixon Centre, West End

Photo Credit: Thomas Dixon Centre

Brisbane’s chamber music scene welcomes a fresh and dynamic addition as Collectivo, a new ensemble founded by renowned oboist Tania Frazer, prepares to launch its 2025 concert series at Queensland Ballet’s Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.

Designed to offer a boutique, salon-style experience, the ensemble will feature a rotating lineup of virtuoso musicians performing in an intimate setting.

A Vision for Intimate and World-Class Chamber Music

Unlike traditional fixed ensembles, Collectivo brings together exceptional artists from across Australia and New Zealand in unique collaborations for each performance. Ms Frazer’s vision, described as “where artistry meets intimacy,” aims to give audiences an up-close experience, with seating just metres from the performers.

Collectivo Thomas Dixon Centre — *Photo Credit: Collectivo/Instagram*

Set in the Charles Lisner Studio at the Thomas Dixon Centre, the venue’s acoustics and intimate atmosphere provide an ideal space for chamber music, enhancing both the sound quality and audience connection.

2025 Concert Series Lineup and Program

The 2025 season will feature four concerts, each showcasing a different selection of artists and repertoire:

Concert 1 – “Tree of Life” (March 15)
Concert 2 – “The Troubadours” (July 26)
Concert 3 – “Timeless Voices” (September 13)
Concert 4 – “The Garden of Dreams” (November 1)

The inaugural concert, “Tree of Life,” will include:

Andrew Haveron (Sydney Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster)
Eden Shifroni (2024 IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition winner)
Vatche Jambazian (pianist)
Rachel Siu (cellist)
Tania Frazer (artistic director & oboe soloist)

Future performances will welcome other high-profile musicians, including Slava Grigoryan, Satu Vänskä, Emily Sun, Amalia Hall, and Paavali Jumppanen.

Frazer’s Creative Freedom and Expanding Repertoire

Having previously led Southern Cross Soloists and Bangalow Music Festival, Ms Frazer sees Collectivo as a chance to pursue artistic freedom and innovation. Unlike government-funded ensembles, Collectivo operates independently, allowing Ms Frazer to curate performances without external constraints.

Collectivo chamber music — *Photo Credit: Collectivo/Instagram*

Her passion extends to expanding the oboe’s repertoire, incorporating works not traditionally played on the instrument. One of her personal challenges includes tackling Artie Shaw’s clarinet concerto, a piece requiring octave glisses and extended high notes, techniques rarely explored by oboists.

Ticketing and Subscription Options

With limited seating, Collectivo offers exclusive subscription packages:

Four, Three, or Two Concert Subscriptions with savings on single ticket prices.
Single tickets also available for each concert.

BUY TICKET

For accessible seating and ticketing enquiries, audiences can contact (07) 3013 6666.

Each performance lasts approximately two hours and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, and is suitable for all ages.

With its debut set for 15 March 2025, Collectivo is poised to redefine chamber music experiences in Brisbane. Offering world-class talent in a uniquely intimate setting, the ensemble is set to become a standout addition to West End’s vibrant arts scene.

Published 26-Feb-2025

Buchan Marks 40 Years in Brisbane With New West End Home

Photo Credit: Buchan

Global architecture and design practice Buchan has relocated to West End celebrating 40 years in Brisbane. The new studio is located at Greenhouse, Level 6, 9 Wilson Street.

The move to West End positions the firm in one of Brisbane’s rapidly evolving urban precincts as the city undergoes transformation ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Longstanding Buchan Director and Principal Phil Schoutrop highlighted the significance of the location choice during this milestone year for the practice.

“Brisbane and South East Queensland are undergoing a period of rapid growth. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, there’s a lot of attention on the opportunities here,” said Schoutrop, who leads precinct design at Buchan.

The West End location places Buchan in proximity to South Bank, an area the firm helped shape through its early work on World Expo 88, for which Buchan wrote the master brief. The firm describes this as “a pivotal event in Brisbane’s evolution as a modern city, transforming South Bank and putting Brisbane on the world map.”

From its new West End base, Buchan will continue working on high-profile projects including the Bulimba Barracks development and the Australia Pavilion for Expo 2025, which will open in April.

The practice has been instrumental in shaping Brisbane’s urban landscape through projects like the Brisbane Myer Centre in the 1980s and more recently, the award-winning Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich.

Schoutrop emphasised the firm’s commitment to growing its presence in West End: “We look forward to growing our Brisbane team in the new office and contributing to the city’s evolution.”

The West End studio will serve as the new home for Buchan’s Brisbane team, which includes long-serving members like Bruce Shaw and Greg Sheehan, both of whom separately celebrated their personal 40-year anniversaries with the practice recently.

Published 24-February-2025

Testing Underway After Reports of Hazardous Material in West End Garden

Photo Credit: Growing Forward/Facebook

Reports of hazardous materials in the soil have led to testing at a community garden in West End, raising concerns about possible contamination. Access to the site has been restricted without warning, leaving residents frustrated over the sudden closure and lack of communication about what comes next.

Initial soil samples were collected on 14 February after concerns were raised about potential contaminants in the area. However, deeper testing is required, which may result in the removal of garden beds.

The unexpected fencing off of the space has sparked concerns not just about safety, but also about why locals weren’t consulted before such drastic measures were taken.

Residents Question Lack of Consultation

For years, the garden has served as a vital green space for the community, providing fresh produce and a shared gathering place. Many locals say they would have supported safety precautions but feel blindsided by the lack of notice before the site was closed off. Some have called for more transparency and direct engagement with those who have long cared for the space.

Kurilpa Commons in West End — *Photo Credit: Growing Forward/Facebook*

Official Statement

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said that further testing is necessary to determine whether contaminants pose a risk.

“Recognising the health and safety of local residents and the wider community as the utmost priority, TMR sought to secure the land with a perimeter fence to limit access and ensure a safe workplace for necessary investigations to be undertaken.

“While the current use of the land has been established without the proper permits or approvals, this closure is a necessary step to mitigate any potential safety risks associated with the property. We want to remind the community that entry to property owned by TMR without our consent is illegal.

“TMR is awaiting an initial update from the laboratory regarding samples already taken, however we have been advised that further sampling is required to complete investigations.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this time. TMR is diligently working to investigate the situation as swiftly and safely as possible and will keep the community updated.”

What’s Next?

With testing still underway, there is no clear timeline for when—or if—the garden will reopen. If contamination is confirmed, further action may be required, raising questions about the long-term future of the space.

Published 21-February-2025

La Lupa: West End’s Go-To Spot for Authentic Roman-Style Pizza

Photo Credit: Dmitry S./Google Photos

Tucked away in West End, La Lupa brings a true taste of Rome to Brisbane. Since opening in 2017, this neighbourhood pizzeria has gained a loyal following for its light, crispy Roman-style pizzas, handcut pastas, and thoughtful wine selection.

Owners Valentina Vigni and Andrea Contin have created a spot where traditional techniques meet fresh ideas, making every visit an experience worth savouring.

Authentic Roman Pizza, Done Right

La Lupa takes pizza seriously. The team uses organic, stone-milled Italian flour, fermenting the dough to create a base that’s light, crisp, and easy to digest. This slow fermentation gives the pizza a delicate crunch without the heaviness of traditional styles.

Toppings range from classic to creative. The Margherita keeps it simple while the Pizzo Calabro turns up the heat with spicy spreadable salami, hot salami, and creamy burrata. If you’re after something different, the lupacchiotto bites—mini focaccia-style pizzas—offer a flavour-packed alternative to traditional starters.

More Than Just Pizza

La Lupa’s menu extends well beyond its signature pizzas. It offers antipasti, handcut pastas and larger mains with dishes rotating monthly, ensuring fresh flavours with every visit.

Food menu

For starters, you might like milky burrata following a silky spaghetti with mussels and ‘nduja. And if you love dessert, don’t leave without trying the tiramisu—a house specialty that balances coffee, mascarpone, and just the right amount of sweetness.

A Carefully Curated Wine List

Great food deserves great wine, and La Lupa delivers. The wine list highlights Italian varietals, giving equal attention to classic producers and modern innovators. Whether you prefer a bold red to complement a meaty pizza or a crisp white to pair with seafood pasta, the staff will happily guide you to the perfect glass.

drink menu

A Relaxed, Welcoming Space

La Lupa’s setting adds to its charm. Inside, a handful of tables sit near the wine cellar, creating an intimate feel. Most guests, however, opt for the al fresco dining area, where they can enjoy the laid-back West End atmosphere with a pizza in one hand and a glass of wine in the other.

Even the restaurant’s name ties back to its Roman roots. La Lupa, or “the she-wolf,” references the legend of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers raised by a wolf before founding Rome. It’s a fitting tribute to a restaurant that stays true to its heritage.

When to Visit

La Lupa keeps a simple schedule. It’s open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm and lunch on weekends from 12 pm to 2:30 pm. Whether you stop in for a quick meal or settle in for the evening, you’ll find authentic Roman-style pizza and welcoming hospitality.

If you haven’t been yet, now’s the time. La Lupa isn’t just serving pizza—it’s bringing a slice of Rome to Brisbane.

Book table

Published 18-Feb-2025

Kurilpa Commons Protest: Community Resists Closure of Beloved Garden

Photo Credit: Growing Forward/Facebook

A group of community members in Brisbane’s West End has taken a stand against the decision to close Kurilpa Commons, a self-managed community garden on state-owned land.

A Garden Built for the Community

Kurilpa Commons was established by local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic as a place for people to grow food, support vulnerable neighbours, and hold community events. Over the past few years, it has become a hub for people facing food insecurity, including refugees and those affected by the rising cost of living.

On the morning of 14 February 2025, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) arrived at the site with fencing, warning signs, and police support, preventing public access to the garden. Officials stated they had identified historical fill on the property that may be contaminated and insisted that closing the area was a precautionary safety measure. They confirmed that testing would take place but did not specify the nature or severity of potential contamination.

Safety Concerns Cited, Protesters Disagree

Protesters, however, question the timing and intent of the closure. They argue that the land has been in use since 2020 without any previous warnings about contamination. Some believe the real motive is to clear the space for nearby property development, pointing to an adjacent site where affordable housing has been demolished for new construction.

They maintain that the closure of the commons is an attack on public green space and say they will not leave without a fight. One long-time gardener at the site said the land had been left vacant for decades before the community transformed it into a productive space. Others describe it as more than just a garden—a gathering place fostering connection and resilience.

Protests and Police Presence Continue

Shortly after authorities moved in, dozens of residents gathered at the site, forming a peaceful blockade to stop any further attempts to dismantle the garden.

Activist group Growing Forward has mobilised support, calling on neighbours and allies to defend the space. They claim that the government’s actions—bringing in heavy machinery and issuing a trespass notice—suggest an intention to destroy the garden rather than simply test the soil. By midday, the protest had grown, with around 50 people present, and tensions between authorities and demonstrators remained high.

Despite the strong police presence, the community stood firm, and by late afternoon, the officers and TMR representatives withdrew. Protesters have since set up a round-the-clock presence to prevent any future attempts to remove the garden.

What Happens Next?

The future of Kurilpa Commons remains uncertain. TMR has not yet released a timeline for soil testing or given any assurance that the land will remain accessible after the tests are complete. Protesters are demanding transparency and a commitment from the government to preserve the space.

Local representatives have visited the site to speak with protesters, but no formal resolution has been reached.

Published 14-February-2025