Will and Flow, Brisbane’s newest overwater bar is just a taster for what’s to come with the much anticipated Queen’s Wharf Development.
Treasury Brisbane has introduced this low-key tavern on the water as a prelude to the main event that will forever transform the River City in 2023. The $3.6b integrated resort development will cover 12 hectares and is scheduled to include not only the Star Casino but high-end shopping and three new auberges including Australia’s first Rosewood Hotel.
This is just the beginning of the Queen’s Wharf master plan
The original custodians of the river and the surrounding land were the Tuurbal people. They called this area Meeanjin – the place of the blue water lilies.
It wasn’t that long ago that the river was an afterthought to most. But recent years has seen it become one of Brisbane’s greatest assets.
WHERE
Up close to the Goodwill Bridge and the QUT Ferry Terminal with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) shadowing at back, Will and Flow offers great views of Southbank and the sunset.
Tip: NYE fireworks here, will be beyond spectacular
The location demands you give the car the day or night off. As a bar, walking or public transport means no-one needs to draw the short straw for designated driver. Stroll from the CBD’s centre or from Southbank across the Good Will Bridge. While this corner of the Brisbane River is always busy with CityCats and the newer KittyCats there is no better way to get from A to B.
WILL AND FLOW
The intimate space is designed for up to 130 happy guests. Most seating is outside and the deck is decorated with some Moet & Chandon umbrellas and some well-placed palms. Simple timber tables are left bare but for cutlery tins and napkins.
For us, on a sunny, spring Sunday it’s hard to beat the waterside location. We’re lapping up the breeze and views while the river laps gently beneath us.
CityCats make three-point turns to navigate the QUT terminal after departing from the temporary Southbank stop. Service is cheerful, friendly and low-key.
There’s a girl’s special occasion catch-up while locals enjoy an end-of-weekend vino and a cheese platter. A family arrive in bike shorts and park the two-wheelers outside before spending quality time together. Live music is welcome and low-key like the surroundings.
THE EATS
The menu features the new classic hits of bar favourites. A new lighter spring menu includes Small Plates from Pork Belly with fermented cauliflower to 500gm buckets of prawns with dipping sauces to pulled BBQ beef brisket nachos with cheese, tomato, coriander, onion salsa topped with sour cream. If oysters are your world they come natural or Kilpatrick.
Platters range from Ploughman’s, Woodfire and Seafood – woodfired scallops topped with a saffron emulsion and chorizo crumb, oysters Kilpatrick and natural, prawns, smoked salmon, dipping sauces, mandarin and feta salad and completed with toasted sourdough.
Pizza variations from the wood-fired oven cover all the bases including simple confit garlic and mozzarella to a meat lover’s frenzy of beef brisket, gypsy ham, pork belly, pepperoni, onion, smokey BBQ sauce and mozzarella. Prawns, pomodoro, chilli flakes, capsicum, onion and mozzarella are for the seafood inclined. There’s even a dessert pizza with Nutella, strawberries and marshmallows.
THE DRINKS
The short, snappy cocktail list lets you know where you are with a State of Origin Negroni made with the local Brisbane Gin.
Bubbles range from ThisMagnificentLife’s fave Aussie Prosecco Dal Zotto by the glass to Moët & Chandon piccolos. The wine list unfortunately doesn’t include a local Granite Belt drop but a good range of Aussie whites and reds. Local craft beers and ciders are joined by International brews Kirin and Heineken.
LAZING ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON
It would be easy to describe Will and Flow as ‘booze with views’. But tucked into this quiet corner of the river, it’s just right before, during or after a riverside walk for a cold one. Its relaxed vibe manages to make the weekend last a little bit longer as time seems to slow here. As evening falls, the City Cat’s orange lights blink brightly against the dark sky and the inky river extends the sparkle. A light breeze blows. Right here, right now, the livin’ is easy.
TML were guests of Will and Flow.
