It’s always a bit of a shock to the system when one’s regular drinking spot closes, but thankfully panicked fans of Alderley alehouse Ploughman can rest easy knowing that soon their treasured tipple spot (which closed its longtime home in March) will debut a brand-new site a little bit further along South Pine Road later this year. Ploughman publican Leigh Graham has committed himself to keeping folks hydrated in the interim, securing a spot in Fortitude Valley for Ploughman 1.5 – a bar imbued with the same community-focused vibe and discerning offering, just a bit closer to the city centre. The Hynes Street space, which sits a few doors down from Ze Pickle, was once home to Vietnamese joint Phin Cafe and, before that, coffee spot Dot Dash. It offered the perfect foundation for Leigh to instil Ploughman’s recognisably utilitarian aesthetic organically without too much tinkering – furniture and fridges were brought over, neon-blue signage was installed and the venue was given a bit of tidy. What results is a relaxed side-street haunt where guests can kick back with a table of snacks and sips, engage with the bar staff over a shared love of quality drinks or simply pass some time playing Pac-Man or Tapper on the arcade machines in the corner.

Much like its Alderley predecessor, Ploughman Fortitude Valley favours a clipped and finely curated selection of nourishment – the kind of fabulously fatty and perfectly pickled fare that pairs well with a zingy sour or acidic wine. Here, light bites like mixed olives and sourdough with balsamic-laced dipping oil leads into charcuterie platters (loaded with spicy salami and tarfuno, and pickled cayenne peppers), cheese boards, dips and crackers, arancini balls, empanadas and the signature Ploughman Board, which comes with cheese, leg ham, salami, bread, crackers and olives. Many of the hard-to-find small goods on offer have been sourced from Fino Foods and other artisanal suppliers, adding a high-grade touch to the menu. A selection of sandwiches, including gruyere grilled cheese, leg ham and cheese, toasted salami and cheese and a vegan-friendly cashew-cheese toastie, are available with a handful of chips on the side. Leigh is similarly discerning when it comes to Ploughman’s drink selection, offering a hand-picked selection of small-scale natural wines from Australian makers including of Minim Wines, Amato Vino, La Violetta and Koerner Wine, as well as Australian craft beer off tap and in tins from Deeds Brewing, Hop Nation, Bridge Road Brewers, Bodriggy Brewing Co. and Wildflower Brewing & Blending. The back-bar selection favours gin from Australia and abroad (gin paddles are available), but a tight range of spirits are funnelled into a clutch of classic cocktails, including negronis, martinis, French 75 and old fashioneds.

Ploughman Fortitude Valley is open to the public. Hit the Stumble Guide for operating hours and menu details, and stay tuned for updates on Ploughman’s South Pine Road expansion!