In early 2024, burgeoning riverside precinct Portside Wharf announced a suite of grants and incentives (ranging ranging from $50,000 to $500,000) to entice retailers to join the precinct’s evolution and fill the next wave of available tenancies. The first of this fresh crop has been announced, with the crew at All Stars Hospitality Group signing on to open a new gastropub concept at the hub – one modelled closely on its other pub-style venue, Newstead Social. Portside Social will offer a menu of gastropub winners (think burgers, bangers and mash, fish and chips, chicken schnitzel, salads and steaks) as well as plenty of beer, wine and cocktails. Portside Social is taking shape in a 224-sqm space adjacent to Italian restaurant Gusto Da Gianni. Clui Design is spearheading the interior styling, with a Lowry Group-led fit-out process expected to be complete in June.