Operating under the manta of ‘forever exploring, forever evolving’, owners Matt McIver and Gerard Martin are not ones to stay inside their comfort zone. Whether its opening a satellite taproom in Melbourne during the pandemic, or launching a hugely successful beer festival, the beer-making duo are certainly not afraid of making some unconventional moves. Their next move will see them add another beer dispensary to their portfolio with the launch of suburban sip-spot Patio, opening tomorrow. Imbued with a sense of timeless warmth and a fondness for Australiana-inspired aesthetics, Patio perfectly blends traces of classic Australiana with touches of Italian alfresco. “Brisbane has such a beautiful warm climate and the only place in Brisbane to currently drink all of our beers is inside our warehouse, which is a great space, but we’ve always wanted something a little more garden, patio, outdoor vibe. That’s why this place was particularly appealing to us,” says Matt.
Occupying a character-filled space in Rosalie, which caters for roughly 120 revellers, Patio features four signature areas that all boast their own unique feel and purpose. Tucked away to the side of the front bar is a space by the window that offers a primo position to perch for sunset sips. The remaining interior space is filled with a mixture of booths, high-and-low table seating and a TV for sports and major event viewing, to accomodate those who are staying for a slightly longer sip-and-snack session. Just outside the bar is a landscaped courtyard, where drinkers can enjoy a sun-soaked get-together during the day and a heated drink under the stars during the winter nights. Lastly, there is a patio area that offers a space for groups of all sizes. As you step foot into Patio, a wave of nostalgia will hit you as you take in the design choices, many of which are a nod to the classic Australian pub we all know and love. You’ll see rustic brick walls, tiled bar tops, a custom-built Patio mirror, red-tile tables, bentwood stools and plenty of dark timber, as well as a few small details crafted by Matt and Gerard, their families and the Range Brewing team. “That Australiana-inspired pub – that 80s and 90s sort of vibe – that’s something that we’ve seen take off a lot in Melbourne that we don’t necessarily have up here,” says Matt. “Think of places like The Napier Hotel in Fitzroy, the Marquis of Lorne or The Rainbow Hotel – just old pubs that are independently owned and have that character to them.”
Patio will run slightly different to Range Brewings’ other venues, with a focus being on a more all-round bar and dining experience. “This venue is not intended to be a taproom – it’s not Range’s next taproom,” says Matt. “We’re referring to it as a neighbourhood craft-beer and wine bar.” Patio’s bar will be equipped with a dozen taps, ten of which will be dedicated to pouring a rotating line-up of beers, while the final two will dispense a couple of Range’s own branded wines made in conjunction with LATTA Vino. The crew is continuing to consult with leading mixologists on the construction of Patio’s cocktail list, which features a succinct but fun selection of classics and signatures. As for wines, expect a sizeable list featuring both new-age lo-fi drops and traditional crowd pleasers. Fans of Range Brewing’s culinary arm, Jacopo’s Pizza, will be thrilled to hear that elements of its outstanding menu has transitioned across to Patio, alongside an extended snacks menu featuring the likes of burrata with pangritata, gilda skewers, charred broccolini with miso bean puree, toasted almond and parmesan and a meatball sub (beef and ‘nduja fried meatballs with basil oil and parmesan).
Patio will open its doors to the public on Friday June 9. Head to our Stumble Guide for operating hours and other details.
