We Brisbanites love our river – and we love good food. Put the two together and you get…Boardwalk Bar + Bistro.
After a half-million dollar renovation, the Boardwalk Bar + Bistro at Riparian Plaza is set to make its mark, capitalising on its riverside location and breathtaking views. Co-owner and designer Grant Johnston managed the former Plaza Deli Bistro conversion into a versatile venue reflective of its all-encompassing name.
“We knew within the first six months the original deli was never going to work in this location,” said Mr Johnston. “We threw everything into [it], but people love to socialise with friends and family, so Boardwalk caters perfectly to that with more seating and a more relaxed vibe.”
The ultimate waterfront dining and drinking destination.Taking on the responsibility of designing, drafting, building and project managing, Johnston had a tight schedule to contend with. In a two-week timeframe, the Plaza Deli Bistro was converted into the Boardwalk Bar + Bistro, with numerous near-24-hour days ensuring service was minimally disrupted. The resulting bar and bistro is a place for breakfast by the river, lunch with work colleagues or after-work drinks.
“I was lucky enough to hold my own engagement party here, it was awesome,” said Mr Johnston. “We’ve installed 20 high-level timber tables with bentwood bar stools to cater for a larger crowd. We also created a full-length feature bar at the rear made of American oak and it has a beautiful mirrored back bar that allows you to look at the fantastic view behind you.”
Five plasma screens around the venue screen BBC World, CNN, the Weather Channel in the morning and all the Fox Sports Channels in the evening.
“We have also created a designated coffee station at the front of the bistro and the high level tables act as espresso tables in the morning and bar tables in the evening; there are people there all the time, it’s great,” said Mr Johnston. “We basically transformed the venue into the ultimate waterfront dining and drinking destination. You’d be hard pressed to find a location like this in Queensland.”
