In the first half of 2016, Paddington locals were blessed with the arrival of two of Brisbane’s most beloved food concepts. Sichuan Bang Bang and Pizzeria Violetta – two Kenmore-born eateries – opened new locations on Given Terrace, harmoniously pairing Italian and Chinese cuisine under one roof. Some recent changes have shaken up the Paddington venue, with Bang Bang Bar taking over the space once occupied by Pizzeria Violetta to create an almost entirely Chinese-centric offering. The new-look section adds several luxurious touches, with lanterns giving off some seriously seductive mood lighting, lending itself perfectly to romantic rendezvous or intimate gatherings.

When it comes to the drinks, Bang Bang Bar certainly gives you plenty of bang for your buck. The brand-new cocktail menu offers some tasty infusions, such as the Evening Thyme with thyme-infused rum, vanilla, ginger beer and passionfruit, the Bang Fashioned with rosemary-infused bourbon, grapefruit and bitters and the Lemongrass Southside, which mixes lemongrass-infused gin, lemon saccharum oil and mint. If you like gin and tonics, you’ll find a lot to like at Bang Bang Bar – a love potion menu lets drinkers concoct their own gin and tonic, with a dozen gins available to blend with seven kinds of tonic water and garnishes like pineapple, rose, mixed berries and even Sichuan peppercorns. Those feeling peckish can also sample a range of bar snacks, while fans of Pizzeria Violetta’s wood-fired slices can still get pizza over the bar. As far as rejuvenations go, this one is bang on.