Brisbane’s long-awaited dining and drinking space, Naldham House, will open its doors on Thursday, with hospitality group DAP & Co. undertaking an extravagant restoration after a decade standing vacant.
With a history of respectfully restoring and refurbishing heritage-listed buildings in Brisbane, DAP & Co., which is co-owned by Andrew Baturo, Denis Sheahan and Paul Piticco, was handpicked by building owner Dexus to restore the space in the CBD’s Waterfront Place precinct.
Developed in collaboration with renowned interior designer Anna Spiro, the restoration aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia and romantic charm. Contrasting the white heritage façade of the building, the interiors feature bold jewel-toned colours, patterns and textiles, accompanied by the likes of a pianist.
So far, the venue houses two venue concepts, Club Felix and Naldham House Brasserie and Terrace, with a third still to be revealed.
Speaking about the launch, Andrew said: “We can’t believe the time has finally come to unveil what we have been working on for the last four years. A grand city like Brisbane deserves a grand monument like Naldham House that aligns with Brisbane becoming a true international city.”
Club Felix, described as “a sexy supper-club style venue” occupies the first level of Naldham House, blending chic French-style interiors with the building’s historical charm.
With capacity for 150 standing and 110 seated, Club Felix has Yves Klein Blue hues throughout, complemented by a restored oak timber bar retained from the building itself.
According to DAP & Co., the bar is home to Brisbane’s best Champagne list, accompanied with a cocktail menu inspired by European classics such as Sidecars, French 75s and Juleps.
The cocktail list features a selection of signature serves, and highlights include the Brulee Flip, comprising Martell VS Cognac, Madeira fortified wine, burnt sugar syrup, chocolate bitters and grated chocolate; alongside Café Felix, made with Compagnie Des Indes Spiced Rum, coffee, vanilla syrup, Brookie’s Mac cream and grated chocolate.
At the helm of Executive Chef Douglas Keyte (ex-Grill Americano), the food menu at Club Felix features snacks and small plates designed for sharing. Guests can expect to find jamon and comte toasties, fried whiting sandwich fingers and potato pave fingers topped with caviar.
Beneath Club Felix, Naldham House Brasserie and Terrace is situated on the ground floor, offering European-leaning cuisine with old-fashioned service and a nod to grand hotel lobbies around the world.
In the restaurant, the food menu includes small dishes such as mixed crudo, beetroot tart and beef cheek bourguignon pithivier. Larger dishes are also available, with the market fish Meunière and côte de boeuf both designed for sharing.
Outside, the 120-seat Terrace offers a smaller food menu with plates that include chicken skin crisp with whipped cod roe and caviar, steak frites and a wagyu cheeseburger.
A signature cocktail list can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors, featuring a dedicated Spritz menu and a focus on seasonal ingredients and lighter spirits.
Spritz-wise, highlights include the Mandarino Spritz made with Amaro Ninino, mandarin, rosemary, soda and Prosecco, while the house cocktail list features Mont Blanc, comprising rosemary-infused Tanqueray Gin, Rinquinruin, Suze and a rosemary sprig.
The wine list is dominated by European wines, with a small selection of Australian-made wines balancing the menu.
Andrew added: “One of the things we do really well as a hospitality group is provide transportive experiences – we want our guests to escape their daily routine, even if it’s just for a few hours.
“We are also really excited to reinvigorate and attract more people to this beautiful and unique area of the city – the architecture, the leafy streets and the heritage buildings have a real Euro-quaintness which we know people will fall in love with.”
