Until recently, one wouldn’t expect to find a sophisticated, intimate wine lounge within a six of The ‘Gabba.

Fast forward to November 2012 and the thriving mixed-bag-mecca of West End is set to welcome in its newest neighbour: LOFT.

First floor offspring to the critically acclaimed Archive Beer Boutique & Bistro, and progeny of Queensland-based Aushotel Group, Loft is a 150-seat boutique cocktail and wine lounge forging new ground in Brisbane’s dining and hospitality scene.

Remaining sympathetic to its locale and taking its cue from Brisbane’s increasingly discerning population, Loft is the antithesis to a Brisbane downtown mega-club or eatery. It’s where green replaces gauche, its where considered supersedes conspicuous, and where elegance collides with individuality. Loft is the transformation of the former club Uber, which set the benchmark as West End’s first large scale nightclub. Loft is a regeneration of the space, a result of listening to changing market needs.

According to Aushotel visionary Jim Davies, Loft has been born out of a social lifestyle shift that illustrates a commitment to village values. “We have captured the beating heart of Loft by taking cues from locals, and the West End way of life – just as bars in New York listen to their local tribes, he have as well,” said Davies. “We have turned down the visual volume and employed a gentle elegance for each individual’s experience.”

Loft celebrates Queensland’s relaxed and low-key summer vibe with antique garden, an onslaught of hanging greenery and an open deck set above the bustle of Boundary Street. With a spacious interior studded with large wooden beams and a lounge bar featuring floor-to-ceiling glass bi-fold doors, Loft opens up to bring the spirit of West End’s outside-in. It’s modern and stylish. Simple, welcoming and fresh.

Menu-wise, Loft will be home to an inspired Cocktail and Wine List, created by one of the best in the business in Matt Hewitt - less the “mixologist attitude” that has prevailed throughout the city so recently.  Celebrating the opening will be a menu of fresh punch style cocktails and light chilled Rose wines.

Being upstairs from her beer-specialist big brother Archive, Loft will cater for Brisbane’s Craft Beer affections with an enviable lineup featuring Holgate Mt Macedon, Brooklyn Lager and White Rabbit White Ale.

Grazing loungers can pick from the Taster Menu including Goat’s cherve with black sesame, smoked tomato sugo with toasted bread, or pulled-pork sliders with spicy coleslaw, or pecorino crusted lamb cutlets with mint peas, just to name a few. Those opting for Share Plates can entwine their love for Mooloolaba King Prawn wontons with seared scallops and chorizo while dabbling in a crepe & confit duck wrap. Loft will also fill an important offering with a function space for 300.

“With more surprises in store, we are committed to giving our patrons what they want by softly challenging their sense of adventure,” said owner Jim Davies.

LOFT OPENS:
From November 20, 2012

ADDRESS:
Loft West End
100 Boundary St
West End,  Qld, 4101

PHONE / WEB:
Ph.  07) 3846 6680
Web.  www.loftwestend.com.au

TRADING HOURS:
Wednesday - Saturday 4pm til late.
Functions available 7 days a week for Breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper.