The long-awaited dining and speakeasy venues at the revitalised GPO precinct are opening on July 8 with bookings now open.
It’s an exciting time for Brisbane as two of the three new venues within the revitalised GPO are poised to make their grand debut following a stunning $9 million renovation. Contemporary restaurant TAMA is now accepting reservations while captivating speakeasy bar The Gatsby is walk-in only, both from Saturday July 8, promising experiences that will be well worth the wait.
Behind the doors of TAMA’s 100-seat restaurant lies a mixture of stone, concrete and timber with a captivating two-storey atrium above the main dining room. The warm ambiance is enhanced by the presence of custom carpet, white-clothed tables and a selection of cozy velvet-clad booths while upstairs, guests will find a walk-up bar and two private dining rooms offering a vantage point to overlook the bustling restaurant below.
At the helm of the GPO’s multi-venue establishment are Australian hospitality heavyweights Richard Ousby and Alan Hunter.
Ousby, who brings decades of experience from his tenures at Quay Sydney and Stokehouse, serves as the Executive Chef to both venues. His carefully curated relationships with key suppliers will be evident throughout the menu “to ensure TAMA delivers only the best produce to the plate”.
“From pastas served table-side to carefully selected seafood and steaks including a 2kg Angus Tomahawk and cut-to-order wagyu scotch fillet, TAMA’s menu will cater to anyone looking for a casual meal, through to those wanting a seriously elevated experience,” Ousby said.
Hunter, the former General Manager at OTTO, clearly has high expectations for how his team will treat their guests, adding that “the quality of the service will match the quality of the menu.”
Speaking candidly to the experience, he explained that “we’re bringing back an old-school dining experience where service and the customer are king. It will be the kind of place where you want to be a regular because warm and friendly service awaits you, from staff who remember your name, to what sort of dishes you like and how you take your favourite drink.”
Hunter, who was the recipient of the Pol Roger 2013 Sommelier of the Year and Good Food Guide 2019 Wine List of the Year, speaks passionately to TAMA’s wine list and the 1,000 handpicked wines and champagnes stocked in the cellar.
“The majority of bottles won’t break the bank, sitting between $50-$200, however we will have a variety of selections and vintages that are exclusive to the venue and sit within our private cellar. There’s something to fit every budget, taste and occasion.”
Walk-in speakeasy bar, The Gatsby will also open its doors from Saturday July 8. The 1920s styled venue takes inspiration from the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel and seeks to transport guests to the elegance, glamour and frivolity of a time closer to the GPO building’s heritage.
“For people who like whisky, champagne, cocktails and fun – The Gatsby will be your new evening favourite,” Hunter said.
“Our impressive beverage selection spans 50 pages, drawing inspiration from across the globe. Our skilled sommeliers and mixologists are ready to help you find the perfect drink or craft a bespoke cocktail tailored to your personal tastes. Choose from timeless classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Negroni or Martini; or explore exclusive creations like the tantalizing chilli-infused tequila and mango ‘Gasper’.”
Open 7 days from 4pm until late, The Gatsby is set to be the destination for after-work drinks, spontaneous rendezvous and before or after dinner cocktails. Complete with comfortable booths, marble bench-tops, leather accented walls and space for a DJ or live saxophonist, the venue promises to be as luxurious as it is a good time. Also featured is a custom-built vault retrofitted to house unfinished bottles of discerning guests who want to leave them behind for next time.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the renovation for the two venues, Hunter said that “witnessing the creation of such a remarkable establishment within a heritage-listed building is truly astonishing. It possesses a timeless character and history while incorporating a modern touch. Trust me, both of these venues will be well worth the wait.
“TAMA and The Gatsby invites everyone to be a part of the GPO’s new era, whether that’s for a special occasion, a corporate lunch, or a regular night out. We can’t wait to welcome you from July 8.”
Bookings for TAMA are available now via https://tamadining.au/enquiries/ and The Gatsby will be open for walk-ins.
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