News and other stories about real people, places, and events in West End and nearby suburbs.
Nostimo Restaurant and Bar has earned several five-star reviews after reopening its doors on June 2018. Following The Greek Club‘s $3-milion renovation, the restaurant and bar is quickly becoming West End’s favourite spot for delicious Greek cuisine.
Read: The Greek Club at South Brisbane Reopens Doors After a $3-M Renovation
Living up to its name “Nostimo,” is a Greek word which means “tasty,” the restaurant, led by internationally acclaimed Chef In Residence David Tsirekas, serves up a selection of delectable authentic Greek feast. If you are looking to try something new, you can check out their menu before making your reservation.
For those looking for some vegetarian and gluten-free bites, try their healthy and refreshing Horiatiki salad which comes with tomato, cucumber, Spanish onion, kalamata olives, red capsicum, radish, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and feta.
One of the great additions to their new menu is the Koulouria pockets with kalamata olive tapenade and green olive butter.
Their bar serves a variety of cocktails as well as local and imported beers and wines.
Nostimo Restaurant and Bar is hosting an upcoming event called Hellenic Table Wine Dinner where you can learn about unique wines from Mediterranean Wines, and indulge in modern Greek flavours from an exclusive menu. The event has limited availability. You may book online to reserve your place.
Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday:11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Public Holidays: Closed
For more information and reservations, you may visit their website.
Alphabet Cafe, the newest addition to West End’s foodie scene, will soon be cooking what they’re growing at their very own backyard.
Sisters Zoe and Meghan Tulleners, owners of Alphabet Cafe, are paving the way for ethical and sustainable cafe practices as they work with Food Connect and Loop Growers.
The cafe’s fresh produce is sourced from an established network of local suppliers, their artisan bread is supplied by Danny’s Bread, and their free-range eggs and ethically farmed bacon comes from Echo Valley Farms.
With a major focus on sustainability, the cafe’s backyard at their Boundary Street location is already being transformed into a kitchen garden which will allow them to cook what they grow.
Through the expertise of Loop Growers, the cafe will be able to turn their organic and acidic food waste into fertiliser for reuse in the garden. Not a single thing will go to waste in the Alphabet Cafe as their leftover bread ends are also mixed with excess milk from their coffee service for chicken feed.
The Alphabet sisters are renowned for dishing up unique and delicious baked goods. Now, as their dream of having their own cafe came true, they are ready to serve hungry foodies with delectable food from their menu that focuses on seasonality.
Want to try something new? Have a taste of their slow-cooked lamb shoulder with roasted cauliflower, tomato, turmeric and jalapeño salsa, homemade flatbread and spiced labneh. This is one of the latest addition to their menu.
The Alphabet Cafe is located at 243 Boundary Street, West End and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Visit their Facebook page for more information and updates.
Speedier river transport services will soon be docking at several Brisbane River terminals, including that at West End. This, after Lord Mayor Graham Quirk revealed investment of $68 million in the coming year to deliver new SpeedyCat services, expand the CityCat fleet and upgrade a number of ferry terminals.
Cr Quirk said that the 2018-19 budget will help ensure that the council will continue to provide world-class river transport service to locals.
The new SpeedyCat transport will start operating in September 2018, with around 100 new express services each week traversing the river from the University of Queensland and Northshore Hamilton, into the city.
“These new express services will operate during weekday peak periods, saving river commuters up to 24 minutes between Northshore Hamilton and Riverside, while passengers will be able to travel between the University of Queensland and North Quay in as little as 16 minutes,” said Cr Quirk.
“The express services will also stop at the North Quay, Riverside, Apollo Road, Teneriffe, Guyatt Park and West End terminals to boost travel options for residents, so they can spend less time travelling and more time at home with family and friends.”
The council will also allocate $4.5 million for a new generation of larger CityCat to expand the current fleet of 21 ferries.
Another $19.3 million will be spent for the upgrade of terminals, including the Guyatt Park terminal at St Lucia.
Brisbane River is set to be filled with enthusiastic dragon boat racers at this year’s Paddle for Kids Festival and Dragon Boat Race Day.
The event, which will be held on Saturday 16 June 2016 at the South Bank Cultural Forecourt, promises to be a fun-filled day suited for the entire family.
Expect a whole day of live music and dance entertainment, children’s workshops, interactive displays, exhibits, games and so much more. Celebrity guests will also be at the event.
Check out the 2018 festival line-up.
Anyone can register as an individual or as a group for the Dragon Boat races and get a chance to raise valuable funds for sick kids.
Spectators can cheer on their team during the series of 200-metre races. There will be with four teams competing at each race, with the winners entering the grand final race. Each dragon boat will have 16 to 20 paddlers of over 18 years of age.
Register as a team or individual
Aside from the fun and riverside entertainment, the annual Paddle for Kids festival is being held for a significant purpose as all funds raised will go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation as well as Juiced TV.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation provides funding for life-saving medical research and equipment. The foundation run by volunteers also offers support and care for sick children and their families.
Juiced TV is Australia’s first entertainment and distraction show created by kids in hospital for kids in hospital. First started in January 2015 at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, the TV show aims to uplift the well-being of kids and families in hospital.
Through this initiative, patients and their siblings get to star in their own TV show, host their own segments. They cover anything from animal encounters to music workshops and meeting their celebrity idols.
Last year’s event raised more than $52,000, with more than 300 participants at the event.
West End Film Festival (WEFF) is back with an eclectic, enlightening, and empowering programme screening on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 June 2018 at the Rumpus Room in West End.
Credit: Facebook/West End Film Festival
The festival kicks off with a tour of the multi-International Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studios at 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 22 June 2018 followed by pitching sessions of selected finalists for their future projects.
This year’s WEFF will be screening a selection of 32 short films, documentaries, music videos, and animations. Plus, get a chance to watch their first-ever feature film “After The Apology” at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, 23 June 2018. The film promises an action-packed program that you don’t want to miss out on.
Credit: Facebook/West End Film Festival
For more information on the festival’s programme and finalists, check out the West End Film Festival 2018’s official programme guide.
Established in 2009 by a group of local filmmakers that focus on supporting grassroots filmmakers, West End Film Festival continues to uplift local talents with the annual film festival held in one of Brisbane’s most vibrant communities, West End.
The festival aims to build relationships with local communities and encourage collaborations amongst artists highlighting the importance of creativity and connection in the film industry.
With over nine years of celebrating local filmmakers, the WEFF has become one of Brisbane’s most awaited film festivals that celebrates the community, culture, and diversity that is uniquely West End.
Gin is popular for its broad categories that results to various styles, flavour profiles, and origins. To celebrate its “almost boundless” types, the biggest gin party, World Gin Day 2018, is happening at Covent Garden in West End on 9 June from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The event will showcase over 170 craft gins from all over the world. Everybody is invited to join the fest.
If you are not (yet) a gin lover, you just might come to love it after this event. Get the 3-hour beverage package that is served along with a selection of canapés, including Gin Cured Salmon, Manchego Croquettes, Paprika Chicken Kebabs, Beetroot Bruschetta and Chorizo Tarts.
It’s the kind of party that you shouldn’t miss, plus there will be amazing prizes and live music all throughout the night.
Whether you drink it with tonic or mix it up with other drinks, there is no wrong way to drink this alcoholic beverage. The drink itself is beloved all over the world hence an entire day dedicated to it.
Enjoy palatable elixirs that will keep you all boozed up!
Get your tickets here.
Also Read: Hundred Types Of Gin, Immense Gardens At Upcoming Covent Garden Event At West End
Address: 142 Boundary Street, West End Brisbane, QLD 4101 Australia
Calling all Brisbanites with a sweet tooth! Catch the Sweet As – Brisbane Dessert Festival on 3 June at Musgrave Park from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The festival is dedicated to all things sweet. The event will showcase every sweet treat imaginable from brownies, to cheese, to chocolates, to coffee, and many more.
You’re in for an awesome line-up of heavenly treats. What’s even best about this event is that you can literally have sweets all-day long and nobody will judge you. Go ahead and indulge yourself.
Aside from the sweet food, there will be also live music, pop-up bars, entertainment as well as kids activities available for the whole family. Also, don’t worry if you get too high on sugar, there are other street food available to balance it out.
This event is brought to you by World Food Markets. They are dedicated to bringing local communities together through these events whether it be about food, market stalls, and music.
The second release of tickets is here so make sure not to miss it. Get your tickets here.
Address: 121 Cordelia St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Ridesharing continues to be competitive in Brisbane, with top player Uber opening an in-person support hub in West End and competitor Ola entering the local market.
Uber was launched in Queensland in 2014 but has dealt with several battles against taxi companies and members of parliament for almost two years as ride-sharing then was illegal. Following the struggles the ride networking giant had to face in the past, the company continues to flourish despite the influx of other ride sharing services such as Lyft and Backseat.
As part of its growth, the first Greenlight Hub of Uber in Brisbane has opened in the West End to provide in-person support to customers. The global transportation network company has found its place at 252 Montague Road.
As Uber grows, so does the competition. Indian ridesharing giant Ola has recently entered Brisbane and the Gold Coast as it continues its rollout in the Australian market.
Since its entry into Australia, Ola has operated in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Canberra.
To celebrate Ola’s launch in Bribane, the company is offering one free ride valued up to $20. Ola also shows its leverage with its no-surge pricing. Its next target is to operate in Darwin, Hobart, and Adelaide.
Back for its 42nd year, the Paniyiri Greek Festival will be happening on 19-20 May at Musgrave Park at the West End and at the Greek Club in South Brisbane. Get ready for a weekend of dancing, great Greek feast, music, and many more!
Over 60,000 Greeks and honorary Greeks are expected to turn up to this weekend-long festival.
There will be over 36 food stalls that will offer the distinct flavours of the renowned mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy delicious haloumi, souvlaki, moussake, baklava, and many more!
There will also be a lot of dancing, plate smashing, grape stomping, and to Zorba till you drop! You also don’t want to miss the honey puff guzzling competitions.
On Saturday night, watch the great dance-off between Channel Seven and Hit105 stars compete against the title of Greek Dancing with the Stars.
There is also a special place for your kids are the Kids Zone area that will be offering free crafts and games along with dance lessons with the Junior Hellenic Dancers Group. Story Time, a much-awaited session, will keep the younger ones entertained
This festival is Queensland’s largest cultural festival. The Paniyiri was established in 1976 and it is a community initiative. The funds that they acquire are given to the South-East Queensland Greek community through the Greek Orthodox Community of St. George., Brisbane’s oldest Greek community.
Get your tickets here.
Address: 121 Cordelia St.
One of Brisbane’s most popular events venue, The Greek Club, reopens its doors after its biggest renovation in more than 40 years.
The Greek Club first opened in 1975 at its South Brisbane location and has been a great venue for various events ever since. Now, after its three-million-dollar upgrades, the iconic events place promises to bring a luxurious experience to its guests.
Upgrades in the newly refurbished events place include a boardroom, Acropolis and Olympus function rooms, restaurant, bar, and terrace on the ground floor. Upstairs, the venue includes an extensive grand ballroom and a grand balcony that offers an excellent view of the Musgrave Park and the city skyline.
Currently, the Greek Club has 11 versatile event spaces and an expanded 100-seat function room.
With 40 years of experience in events and hospitality, the establishment is highly regarded when it comes to serving authentic Greek cuisine. Their new modern Australian functions menu, designed by Executive Chef Jean-Louis Beaulieu, offers a selection of mouth-watering creations catering to an array of dietary options.
An expanded Greek menu is coming up as their Nostimo Restaurant is opens by the end of May 2018. The restaurant will be led by the new Chef In Residence David Tsirekas, current Group Executive Chef for 1821, a Universal Hotels flagship Greek restaurant in Sydney.
Visit their page to learn more about their latest offers and events.
