The Villager Hotel

LOCATION
Five minutes' walk from the city centre

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Small, stylish tables spread out from the Villager Hotel's attractive open front around George Street. The street shines with the lights of another warm Brisbane night, and this city-chic little venue shines straight back.

This is not just another inner-city drinking house, but nor is it a fine-dining restaurant. The Villager is a self-proclaimed 'gastrobar'. It takes its inspiration from urban European bars, where food is an essential component of nightlife. The emphasis is on creating affordable, quick food without sacrificing quality. The dishes themselves are simple and tasty - a highlight of the menu is the slow cooked wagyu beef, brought to an exquisite tenderness to fall away softly from the bone. Also on offer is Toulouse sausage on colcannon - described by owner Gareth Ball as 'bangers and mash for the executive market'.

To match these classic dishes, the Villager has a decidedly vintage feel inside. The heritage listed 1886 building retains all of its original timber, brick and steel. These are gently enhanced by swish touches of burnished metal and glass. The modernised decor fits the venue's smart aesthetic without detracting from the sense of history.

A final trick up the Villager's dapper sleeve is its late-night supper club. This runs until 3AM, serving a range of food, fine wines, premium spirits and cocktails. It's a welcome new option for those who don't feel a night needs to end at 10, but nor do they fancy the hyper bustle of Fortitude Valley. With this welcome new option and gastrobar stylings, the Villager Hotel is filling a vacant niche in the central Brisbane dining scene

Aran Ward Sell