11 pubs and bars boasting a cozy fireplace perfect for winter outings

Ever wonder what pubs and bars have a cosy fireplace to help chase the Queensland chill away? Brisbane and surrounds have a stellar list to explore for your next winter outing.

Full list of the best pubs and bars with a fireplace in and around Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

Nothing counteracts the brisk Queensland chill quite like a glass of red or a crisp beer beside a roaring open fire.

While winter in the sunshine state might not get as cold as its southern neighbours, the coats and beanies are still donned at least a few times during the season.

But what many locals may not know is there are several venues in and around Brisbane that will let you fill your belly and defrost your toes at the same time.

Picture it – if you got a parmy, a drink and cosy up beside a blazing fire, winter won’t seem so dreary after all.

Sixes and Sevens – Fortitude Valley

Sixes and Sevens Bar on James Street in Fortitude Valley. Pictures: Jack Tran

Dubbed as one of James Street’s most popular pubs, Sixes and Sevens boasts great food, drinks and even has a cosy, open fire tucked away near the indoor bar.

Duty Manager Callum Judd said while there is not usually seating around the fire, it still adds ambience and aesthetic to the venue.

“It really adds that cosy feel to it and the building is an old Queenslander so it adds to that atmosphere,” Mr Judd said.

“Fireplaces are definitely great in winter as it adds that warmth and patrons find it aesthetically pleasing...you appreciate it especially on week days as it is that little bit more obvious when it’s less busy.”

Sixes and Sevens is open 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 12am Friday and Saturday.

Eatons Hill Hotel – Eatons Hill

It’s the southern hemisphere's largest pub and among four sprawling levels of indoor and outdoor spaces, there is a toasty fireplace elevating the already top tier suburban pub.

At Eatons Hill you can start the night in the garden or rooftop sipping on cocktails or craft beer by the fire, before heading to their main bar for a boogie later on.

“The fireplace is a much-loved feature of our restaurant; its warmth provides a cosy setting for guests to enjoy our delectable winter menu, filled with comfort food,” a spokesperson from the hotel said.

“The fireplace can be seen from a range of seating options, from cushioned chairs to lounge seats, leather booths and wooden tables. For those wanting to get as close as possible, our chesterfield lounges are the best seat in the house.”

Eatons Hill Hotel is open 10am to 4pm every day.

Samford Hotel – Samford Valley

The Samford Hotel is known for its rustic and picturesque vibe and with the addition of a cosy fireplace to sip a glass of wine by, it is definitely a go-to for a winter dinner.

Duty Manager Blake Lazenby said customers love the fireplace as they get the opportunity to warm up in style.

“It is really popular during winter, especially out here because it gets pretty cold out,” Mr Lazenby said.

“I think (having a fireplace) is part of culture in Australia, every old pub I went to as a kid had a fireplace.”

Samford Hotel is open from 10am to 2am, Monday to Sunday.

Hope & Anchor – Paddington

The Hope & Anchor in Paddington has been open for seven years. Picture: Richard Walker

Hope & Anchor has been dubbed Paddington’s very own English-style neighbourhood pub, and it definitely lives up to its name with a tableside fireplace customers fight over sit at.

Making home in a heritage-listed 19th century bakery, the manager, who only wished to remain anonymous, said the fireplace is a favourite among customers who have visited the restaurant for seven years.

“It’s probably the warmth and ambience. The table next to the fireplace is our most booked table in winter,” he said.

“I enjoy (fireplaces), it gives you some nice light and smell.”

Hope & Anchor is open 5:30am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5:30am to 12am Friday and Saturday.

The Gresham – Brisbane City

There’s only one thing better than a fireplace and that is a heritage-listed one.

Steeped in history with it’s 19th century decor, this Queen Street bar can provide a stiff drink alongside a cosy setting.

Known for its award-winning whiskey, cocktails and classy ambience, this CBD pick would be perfect to escape the cold.

The Gresham is open 11am to 2am, Monday to Friday and 5pm to 2am on Saturday.

Hundred Acre Kitchen + Bar – St Lucia

Many venues managers say fireplaces are a great addition for Queensland winter. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Nestled on the golf course of St Lucia, the Hundred Acre Kitchen and Bar is where rustic meets classy, with a large fireplace big enough to warm the entire room.

There’s nothing quite like a stunning setting and a toasty fire to enjoy an afternoon or weekend bit to eat.

Known for 360-degree views of lush greenery and natural terrain, the city will feel like a far memory when dining here.

Hundred Acre is open 7am to 6:30pm Monday and Tuesday, 7am to 9pm Wednesday and Thursday, 7am to 10pm Friday and Saturday and 7am to 8pm on Sunday.

Mandy’s on the Mountain – Clear Mountain

If you are looking for a winter adventure with delicious food and great drinks, Mandy’s on the Mountain gives you just that all the while sitting by a toasty fireplace.

Known for its sprawling balcony and large windows boasting valley views, it is the most picturesque spot to curl up by the warm fire.

These views include a glittering panorama of the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and Lake Samsonvale.

Mandy’s on the Mountain is open Monday and Tuesday for breakfast and dinner, Wednesday for breakfast and lunch, Thursday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

City Winery – Fortitude Valley

The combination of a glass of wine while sitting by the fire might be the best way to spend a winter's night, and City Winery will provide just that.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or big celebrations, this restaurant and bar can do it all, but it just might be your city hideaway this winter.

With it’s delicious selection of wine and other drinks, this should definitely be on the winter warmers list.

City Winery is open 3pm to 8pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 12pm-9pm Thursday to Saturday.

The Courthouse Restaurant – Cleveland

Now, locals can find comfort by the fire but also enjoy an outing with friends. Picture: iStock

The Courthouse Restaurant has character, with its original brick walls, sandstone porphyry and of course, a fireplace to chase the winter chill away.

Situated on the water east of Brisbane, the rustic decor and open fire is almost too hard to resist and pair that with quality food, wine and beer – there’s not much to complain about.

The Courthouse is open 11:30am to 9pm every Wednesday to Sunday.

Post Office Hotel – Sandgate

Another stylish, history-filled location that is popular among locals and visitors alike is the Post Office Hotel, with an outdoor fireplace ready for the cooler nights.

Along with the restaurant and whiskey bar, their garden area is perfect for celebrating outdoors in the stunning winter weather, with private bars and a cosy fire that enhances the ambience.

There’s nothing quite like a delicious pub feed alongside an outdoor fire.

Post Office Hotel is open 11am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to 12am Friday, 10am to 12am Saturday and 10am to 9pm Sunday.

The Deck Bistro – Bribie Island

If you’re willing to go on another weekend adventure north of Brisbane for a relaxed, family friendly winter outing then The Deck Bistro is the place.

Located at the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club, the all day venue boasts delicious food and ambience with it’s cozy fire by the course.

Indulging in some quality seafood, pasta and other winter warmers makes the adventure all the more worth it.

The Deck Bistro is open 9am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 9pm Friday to Saturday.