Foresters Restaurant and Bar is a must-try modern Australian cuisine meets gastropub in the Fortitude Valley.
Executive chef Peter Popow has focused the entire menu around showcasing local and Australian produce. He aims to use fine-dining techniques with a menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
I was fortunate to have a sneak peek last night. The grilled steak was 5 star. The chicken parmie was super tender with a San Marzano sauce.
Be tempted by damper made with local ale and sage butter, pepper-seared fallacy carpaccio with brioche crumb. Look out for the stone-baked pizzas.
The deconstructed lamington was delicious. But you could also order the pavlova with wattleseed, liberties and passionfruit.
From the bar, you might like to try the Bush Fire Negroni with Mt Uncle ‘Bushfire’ Smoked Gin, a new take on an old favourite.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 6:30 am until 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
Foresters’ History in Fortitude Valley
The architects have retained the lovely building facade of the original Foresters’ Hall. It was originally built in 1889 by John Heal (the publican of the Prince Consort Hotel). Foresters were a society aimed at helping the local community and supporting the working class before the introduction of government welfare. The hall was a popular spot for balls, concerts, fundraisers, lectures and public and political meetings.
Later in 1910, the hall was leased to Sidney Cook, who renamed it ‘Cook’s Picture Palace (Theatre Royal). It became the first picture theatre in Fortitude Valley and “filled a long-felt want” in the city. The Telegraph reported that “audiences have been very large”.
The theatre played feature films, including the Sydney memorial service for King Edward VII. It showed ‘new and high-class films… supplemented with local and topical films’. Unfortunately, in 1918 one of the rooms burnt down and 11,000 feet of film were destroyed.
Since 1925, the building has been used for a variety of different purposes.
The restaurant is now part of the collaboration between luxury property developer Gurner and the Signature Hospitality Group. It’s part of the crowning FV which has been operating since late 2018. Guests of FV will also be able to order full in-room dining service from Foresters Restaurant & Bar, making their stay that little bit more special.
Foresters Space
Foresters Restaurant & Bar is made of two parts – the main dining room with seating for 150 people, and a moist cocktail bar with space for 60 people. The interior has racing car green chairs, tables top tables with gold trim and leather finishes.
About Foresters Restaurant
To keep up to date with all things Foresters or make a booking, head to their website.
The restaurant operates for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 6:30 am until 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.
Foresters Restaurant & Bar is located near the Fortitude Valley train station. 209 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006.
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