Indie poppets The Grates are already much-loved in the local Brisbane scene, but we’re not talking about the duo’s energetic music, we’re talking about their hospitality.
Having already opened their popular Southside Tea Room last May in Morningside, serving coffee, tea and sweet treats in a location decked out like Patience Hodgson and John Patterson’s ideal loungeroom, their cafe-come-hang-out has been a huge success.
Now, the pair have announced the grand opening of a late-night spot where everyone can go once they’ve finished relaxing with tea and crumpets and are ready to hit the night-life.
“The Grates opening a bar? Yep!” enthuse the band on their Facebook page, “this Friday night is the grand opening of our bar located in Morningside, Brisbane!”
The new Southside Bar will operate out the back of the existing Tearoom, in the cavernous space already carved out while the venue sought the appropriate liquor liecense. “About 4 months ago we started operating, selling tea and coffee out the front,” explains effervescent frontwoman Patience Hodgson, who even roped in her sister, Raven as chief barista.
“Slowly we moved into amazing snacks, sandwiches and treats after hiring Amanda, our awesome baker. Finally, this week, the dream of running our own bar becomes a reality,” writes Hodgson.
Opening from 5pm, the newly-christened Southside bar will serve up a selection of cold beers – “bottled treasures or tap” – cider, wine, sparkling white and “a particularly delicious cocktail called The Southside;’ and for those with a late-night appetite, the Grates suggest you “might be able to grab a pretzel or sandwich before they sell out.”
The bar will be open late from Thursday to Sunday, following it’s launch the grand opening this Friday 7th September. The bar will no doubt become a local favourite, building on the success of the Southside Tearoom as an existing highlight in Brisbane’s local culture. Good timing too for those attending Brisbane’s BIGSOUND music conference, as the bar/tearoom is located a short drive east of the river from Fortitude Valley where the bulk of BIGSOUND’s activities and bands will be located.
