A New Bar And Grill Is Now Open In South Brisbane By A Renowned Melbourne Hospo Group

 

It’s no secret Melbourne takes its cafe culture very seriously, and The Mulberry Group is a huge reason why. Opening venues like Higher Ground, Top Paddock and The Kettle Black as well as the not-for-profit regenerative farm and social enterprise Common Ground Project, the acclaimed Melbourne hospo group is now coming north with their first Queensland venue now open on Cordelia Street.

High Road Bar & Grill isn’t a copy and paste of their Melbourne offerings, but has instead been created with the South Brisbane neighbourhood in mind. Queensland produce takes the lead and unhurried hospitality makes one visit easily turn into a habit. 

Image credit: High Road Bar & Grill | Supplied

The 100-seat restaurant is where the wood-fired grill and custom-designed wood-fire ovens take centre stage, led by head chef Gareth Woolcock with a touch of Australian nostalgia woven throughout dishes cooked over flames. Post-up at the 50-seat bar for snacks like the Mooloolaba prawn roll with umami mayo and cos, the wagyu burger with American cheese, pickles, tomato and house burger sauce (served with fries, naturally), or potato scallops topped with creme fraiche, black caviar and finger lime. 

Beef, pork, seafood and vegetables will get the grill treatment to become heartier mains like 350 gram Black Angus flank steaks, Humpty Doo barramundi with charred broccoli pesto, or the 270 gram Oria pork cutlet with salsa verde. Plus, the sides are equally considered and honed by flame, leaning on local suppliers to keep the offering fresh, seasonal and flexible.

Image credit: High Road Bar & Grill | Supplied

The drinks program follows the Australian-led theme,  as does the cocktail list, from the lemon myrtle gimlet to the smoked tomato vodka martini and the macadamia espresso martini. The Granite Belt is strongly represented on the wine list, alongside Australian producers further afield and European classics. Plus, local brews cover the beer selection, like Brisbane Brewing Co, Moffat Beach Brewing Co and Sea Legs. 

For founder and creative director Nathan Toleman (who was also an early investor and co-owner of Lune), The Mulberry Group’s first venue in the Sunshine State is meant to fit right in. High Road is set within Novotel Brisbane South Bank, but it’s a destination for locals just as much as it is for hotel guests.

Image credit: High Road Bar & Grill | Supplied

“We want people to feel welcomed straight away, with warm light, the smell of the fire, a smile at the door and the sense they’re already known,” said Toleman. “When they leave, we want them to feel full, looked after and already planning when they’ll come back.”

High Road Bar & Grill is now open. Book here.

Image credit: High Road Bar & Grill | Supplied