Restaurateur Godfrey Mantle inks deal to get new venue cooking at Brisbane’s historic Naldham House

One of Brisbane's most successful restaurateurs has put pen to paper on a deal to serve up a tempting new multi-level vision for a heritage-listed building in the heart of the city.

SOMETHING is finally cooking at Brisbane’s heritage-listed Naldham House.

Plans to revitalise the former home of Brisbane Polo Club and transform it into a new dining and entertainment venue across four levels have been simmering for a few years.

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But it seems they have moved a step closer with Dexus, the owner of the historic building, sealing a long-term leasing deal with Mantle Group Hospitality, which is owned by one of the city’s most successful restaurateurs, Godfrey Mantle.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to create the only stand-alone hospitality venue within a unique heritage building in Brisbane’s CBD, Mr Mantle said.

“We will create a more open and inviting design unlike any previous layout, while enhancing the exquisite detail of the historical building.

“Each level will tell its own story and provide an intimate experience for the local business community, local residents and visitors to our city.”

Godfrey Mantle in front of one of the Mantle Group’s other venues, Jimmy's in the Mall.

The venue at 193 Mary St is expected to be opened in early 2020.

Dexus’s head of office portfolio, Richard Garing, said the venue would breathe new life into the landmark building at the base of Waterfront Place while preserving its historic features and heritage streetscape appeal.

“We acquired Naldham House to enhance the amenity for our customers in the Eagle street precinct and look forward to delivering on that vision with Mantle Group Hospitality,” he said.

Plans for the venue include a high-end restaurant dining experience on Level 1, function spaces on the upper floor (Level 2), expansive ground floor outdoor deck for casual dining and a basement bar. There will also be kitchens on each level to deliver various culinary experiences that reflect the strength of local producers.

Designed by Greenlight, the new fit-out will reflect the heritage values and maritime qualities of the building, removing all the non-heritage elements installed since the 1960s.

The landmark Naldham House is part of Dexus Property Group’s Waterfront Place precinct.

Built between 1864 and 1889, Naldham House operated as the members-only Polo Club for 25 years before it was shut down in 2015 and sold to Singaporean property billionaire Koh Wee Meng. A few months later, the building was acquired by Dexus and Dexus Wholesale Property Fund for $15.4 million. It is part of Dexus’s Waterfront Precinct proposal to transform Brisbane’s Eagle Street Pier into a premium business and leisure destination.