Piece of history saved by new Brisbane bar

They were used to hold ammunition and supplies during WWII, now two spectacular historic structures are set to become Brisbane’s coolest new bar and restaurant.

Brisbane’s beloved live music venue The Triffid is set to welcome a cool new culinary neighbour, with the opening of Stratton Bar & Kitchen.

The Newstead venture is the work of husband and wife Ben and Tarryn Brown, behind hugely popular nearby eatery Mrs Brown’s Bar & Kitchen.

“We’re trying to build a bit of a precinct in this area so people have some options,” Tarryn said.

The venue sits on Stratton St, taking over historic WWII hangars known as Quonset huts once used to house supplies and ammunition. To make the most of the 920sq m site, the Browns have split it into four with a 150-seat restaurant, central bar, courtyard and functions area for about 100 seated or 150 standing.

Ben and Tarryn Brown at their new venue Stratton Bar & Kitchen in Newstead. Picture: Annette Dew

As with Mrs Brown’s, Ben has again been behind much of the fit-out, including working with landscaperJeff Sayers of Element Design to create the courtyard’s focal point: a giant steel tree boasting live plants in baskets hanging from the tips of its branches. The whole venture will have a dark, moody and industrial vibe in keeping with its history.

As for the food, Mrs Brown’s chef Andrew Toms will be moving over to head up the kitchen, rolling out a broad menu of share-style food with a twist. Think the popular Italian pasta dish cacio e pepe instead made with soba noodles, a spin on the Chinese favourite of sweet and sour pork that swaps the meat for broccoli, and another East-meets-West dish of a spiced pork milk bun with kimchi and a beurre blanc sauce. A wood-fired pizza oven will also be installed for breads and pizza; while there will be a diverse range of new vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes available, as has proved so popular at the sister establishment.

A considerable wine list of up to 70 bottles will be in play, with the by-the-glass selection including their famed 250ml-sized pour, as well as the regular 150ml version. But it’s cocktails that will take favour here, boasting an incredible 40 varieties from fresh and citrusy to dark and bold, prepared with a variety of house-made syrups and shrubs.

Mocktails for the health-conscious will be a priority too, sitting alongside a small selection of zero per cent and low-sugar beers, plus more mainstream brews like Great Northern.

Stratton Bar & Kitchen hopes to open at the end of February.