Rodd & Gunn to open new James St restaurant

Retail success story Rodd & Gunn set sites on Fortitude Valley’s upmarket James St for first Australian restaurant.

It’s a global clothing giant, with stores across the world, but now Rodd & Gunn is set to open its first restaurant in Australia, picking Brisbane for its flagship dining destination.

Taking over the iconic old Queenslander on the corner of James and Robertson St in Fortitude Valley, The Lodge Bar & Dining, James St will continue the brand’s foray into food, following on from their New Zealand venues of the same name in Auckland and Queenstown.

“Rodd and Gunn is a brand for everyone so we want everyone to come in and enjoy what we’re doing,” said The Lodge Bar Group’s executive general manager hospitality, Joshua Beagley.

Joshua Beagley, executive general manager hospitality of The Lodge Bar Group by Rodd & Gunn, outside their new restaurant on James St, Fortitude Valley. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The whopping 730sq m space will be split into a 150sq m flagship retail store leading to 580sq m of hospitality including a dining room and downstairs corner bar with banquets, seating up to 70, plus an upstairs bar, private dining room for 10-12 and wrap around balcony so punters can look down on the popular lifestyle street with a cocktail or glass of wine in hand.

Internationally acclaimed, Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert, who is in charge of the NZ restaurants will oversee the Brisbane operation, moving to Australia briefly to help set up the venue, introducing a modern, produce-driven menu heroing the best of local ingredients cooked with simplicity and elements of fire through a charcoal pit. Seafood is expected to be a particularly strong focus, as well as steaks in an elevated yet approachable offering.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s first and only master sommelier Cameron Douglas will take charge of the drinks list, showcasing multi-award-winning New Zealand wine producers, along with Australian and international drops.

Cocktails will also be a drawcard, with master mixologists creating signature shake-ups designed to suit all palates.

The fit-out will follow Rodd & Gunn’s rich, lodge aesthetic, showcasing American oak wood flooring, wool rugs, tan leather, brass accents and lots of greenery. A bespoke stone bar with lavish seating and a feature flagstone wall are tipped to be highlights. While the venue will be geared to functions, with guests able to book out multiple areas.

Work is currently underway, with the restaurant and bar pushing for a May opening, to be followed by similar venues across the UK, US and Canada.