With busy foot traffic, unparalleled views and eclectic menus, Howard Smith Wharves is the beating heart of Brisbane’s dining scene. And Stan’s Lounge Bar is the newest kid on the HSW block. It’s positioned on the second floor of Louis Tikaram’s Stanley which has been integral to the Wharves operation; the restaurant opened five years ago and is still being talked about among diners and industry professionals.
As Brisbane moves closer to the 2032 Olympics, we’re re-evaluating the fitness of certain aspects of the hospitality landscape – namely the dearth of quality late-night spots where you can also grab a decent bite.
“If Brisbane wants to compete for a great Olympics, Brisbane has to grow up. This idea [of Stan’s] came to me because people were asking me where they should eat and drink if it’s late and I’d go, ‘I don’t know, where do I send them?’ It’s embarrassing,” Louis Tikaram, Stanley head chef tells Broadsheet.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWNow he has his answer. Stan’s, the transformed second level of Stanley, is a luxe, intimate lounge – an ideal set-up for pre- or post-dinner drinks and snacks. The space is all scarlet plush, warm lighting and dark wood. The bar itself has the hallmarks of a speakeasy: a mirrored back bar and cosy seating. To the left of the bar is a private lounge wrapped by hand-painted murals and dotted with brass cocktail tables for a more secluded experience. There’s also a stylised recess housing vinyl (selected by Artemis group’s music director Dan McCarthy), a DJ booth and a vintage JBL sound system.
Cocktails are workshopped classics: a Stan’s 75 (a take on the French 75) with the addition of fino, mandarin and Thai basil; a Lychee Martini with yuzushu; and the Dragon Margarita with dragon fruit and makrut lime. Stan’s backbar also houses Campari and Beefeater gin from the ’70s – both non-negotiables in an indulgent Negroni.
For snacks, Tikaram’s calling on his team of chefs downstairs to create a menu of sophisticated Hong Kong-inspired bar snacks. Tikaram is drawing on his time at Tetsuya’s and Longrain to bring high-end techniques to the table. There’s prawn toast with salmon roe and truffle mayo, XO sand crab cigars and one-bite Peking duck pancakes.
“Where Stanley is successful and great, Stan’s is like its older brother,” says Tikaram and we’re pleased to have them as part of the family.
Stan’s Lounge
5 Boundary Street, Brisbane
No phone
Hours:
Mon to Thurs 3pm–1am
Fri to Sun midday–1am
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