Rodd & Gunn’s first Australian restaurant to be headed by Michelin Star chef
Global clothing giant Rodd & Gunn is opening its first Australian restaurant in Brisbane, taking over the old Queenslander on the corner of James and Robertson St in Fortitude Valley.
The restaurant, The Lodge Bar & Dining, James St continues Rodd & Gunn’s innovative foray into food.
The company has so far opened New Zealand eateries of the same name in Auckland and Queenstown.
“Rodd & Gunn is a brand for everyone, so we want everyone to come in and enjoy what we’re doing,” said Joshua Beagley, the Lodge Bar Group’s executive general manager hospitality.
The 730 square metre space will be divided into a 150 square metre flagship retail store leading to 580 square metres of hospitality, which will include a dining room and downstairs corner bar with banquets, seating up to 70.
There will also be an upstairs bar, private dining room for 10-12 and a wraparound balcony.
The Brisbane operation will be overseen by Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert, who is in charge of the NZ restaurants.
Lambert will move to Australia for a short time to help set up the venue.
New Zealand’s master sommelier Cameron Douglas will oversee of the drinks list, which will showcase multi-award-winning New Zealand wine producers, as well as Australian and international wines.
The restaurant and bar are hoping to open in May, to be followed by similar venues across Canada, US and UK.
Irit Jackson, 17th February 2022
