Editorial: Late-night dining a must for Brisbane to be a new world city

Late-night dining and retail options across the state’s southeast are actions that may seem small, but have the potential to be truly transformative, writes the editor.

Brisbane can reach true international status with late-night dining.

Bold ideas and even bolder actions are needed to make Brisbane a true world city before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Increasing late-night dining and retail options across the state’s southeast are actions that may seem small, but have the potential to be truly transformative.

Today, we reveal the push from local councils and hospitality heavyweights to supercharge our nightlife.

Hospitality powerhouse Anyday Group – the team behind some of our most popular dining venues, including Agnes and Bianca – are prepared to put their money where their mouth is to get Brisbane moving in the right direction.

Two years ago, Anyday co-owner Ty Simon called on venues to work together to get behind late-night dining as part of our Future Brisbane series.

“It’s going to have to start with someone taking a bold risk and saying, last orders at midnight and then just planting your flag and letting everyone know that we can be relied upon for an amazing midnight meal or supper,” he said.

Now, Mr Simon has revealed plans for two of the group’s newest restaurants to stay open until 2am – they’re planting their flag.

He admitted that the business would have to “absorb a loss for six months” in order to make it happen, but they were in a position to do that in the hope that late-night dining would catch on in Queensland.

Mr Simon was one of numerous expert panellists debating what the city needed to do to enliven its night-life at the Committee For Brisbane’s “The Night-time Economy: What makes a good night out, anyway?” event.

It was clear that the experts believe punters should be able to get a meal past 8.30pm in a major world city.

After all, the kitchens in Paris, London, New York and Barcelona don’t close at 8.30pm.

That’s not to say Brisbane diners need to embrace the habits of their Parisian counterparts and make 10pm dinner reservations.

But most would appreciate more late-night options as the city grows.

Committee For Brisbane CEO Jen Williams rightly says that with more international flights coming into Brisbane, expectations are changing in terms of dining preferences and timing.

She also makes the very valid point that expanded trading hours would need to be supported by visitors and locals alike.

That means choosing to dine after a show at QPAC rather than before, and making the occasional leap into weeknight dining.

Yesterday, local councils also voted at their annual conference to lobby the state government to give them the power to decide what businesses can stay open late in their cities.

The state’s first night-life strategy will be out by the end of the year, and Housing, Public Works and Youth Minister Sam O’Connor has declared its implementation urgent because “we can’t just turn it on in 2031”.

Mr O’Connor is right – the groundwork must start now.

Brisbane is, in our humble opinion, the best city in the world.

We have a lifestyle that would be the envy of most people.

A missing piece of the puzzle is our night-life offerings, and the plan to reinvigorate our night-time economy must include helping restaurants to stay open longer.

LOVE AN ASHES SUMMER

You’ve got to love an Ashes summer. Even before the Old Enemy arrives, the sledges are flying and debate is raging.

This summer in particular is throwing up early drama.

There’s Bazball of course, which has enthralled and divided the cricket world. Will it be an England side out for blood, or one happy just to settle for a moral victory?

The real drama centres on the Aussie XI which, thanks to injury, retirement and form, is one of the most hotly debated topics in the country at the moment

We have an injured captain in Pat Cummins, most likely to be replaced by cult hero Scott Boland.

We have two all-rounders to possibly fit into the side – Cameron Green, who is nursing injuries, and Tasmanian Beau Webster, who impressed against India last summer. Then there’s Marnus Labuschagne, who’s roared back into form – albeit in first class cricket – and is backed to open with Usman Khawaja in Perth.

Now Australian cricket legend Greg Chappell has thrown a curveball, declaring Queenslander Matt Renshaw should open.

It’s not the worst shout. Renshaw has matured a lot as a cricketer since he debuted for Australia in 2016 and has piled on the runs for his state in recent years. Plus, he’s a Queenslander.

Whichever way selectors go, and whatever Bazball throws up, one thing is certain – you can’t beat the drama of an Ashes summer. Bring on the first ball.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here