DAP & Co., one of Brisbane’s leading hospitality groups, has announced it will open its much-anticipated new offering in Dexus’s Brisbane landmark, Naldham House, next month after a long restoration. Set to become the city’s hottest new dining, drinking, and events destination, the iconic three-storey building will be home to three unique venue concepts, with the first two, Naldham House Brasserie & Terrace and Club Felix, to open in mid-July. Follow the journey at @naldhamhouse and @clubfelixbrisbane.
Naldham House is the latest venue from DAP & Co, co-owned by Andrew Baturo, Denis Sheahan, and Paul Piticco, who specialise in respectfully restoring and refurbishing heritage-listed buildings in Brisbane to create impressive hospitality concepts. The group are behind beloved venues Popolo Italian in Brisbane’s Southbank, the award-winning Gresham Bar in the old Queensland National Bank building in Brisbane’s CBD, and Walter’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar on the ground floor of the Old Mineral House, where they brought New York charm to Downtown Brisbane.
The 140-year-old heritage-listed Mary Street building will be a major milestone of Dexus’s $2.5 billion Waterfront Brisbane project on Eagle Street. The revitalised precinct will deliver a global-standard business and tourist destination that aims to maximise its prime riverside location with enhanced open spaces, amenities and a revitalised premier dining hub. The incredibly beautiful late nineteenth century maritime building, which has been unoccupied since the Brisbane Polo Club closed almost a decade ago, will lead the charge in revitalising the heritage buildings of Downtown Brisbane, with other key hospitality operators also moving into the area later this year.
Andrew Baturo, co-owner of DAP & Co, said: “We are beyond excited and privileged to finally open Naldham House next month, restoring a new level of hospitality to Brisbane. We have poured our hearts into creating something extraordinarily special for Brisbane and Australia. We want Naldham House to be a celebration of our city’s heritage and rich culture for years to come.”
Naldham House will be a world of elegance, charm, and endless possibilities. With multiple experiences under one roof, it has been designed to be a true social club where guests can expect exceptional service and hospitality as well as incredible food and drinks. The first two levels, Naldham House Brasserie and Terrace and Club Felix, will be the first to open to the public in mid-July, with the group remaining tight-lipped on the third concept which will open in time for Spring.
The venue has already attracted an incredible stable of talent from all over the country to lead the first two concepts including Executive Chef Douglas Keyte (previously exec chef of two-hatted Grill Americano in Melbourne), General Manager Christian Green (previously of Rockpool, The Botanical, Aria, Chin Chin, and Longrain), and Restaurant Manager Steven Ham (recently returned to Australia after 20+ years in London including Soho House Group).
Important to give Naldham House a new personality whilst still respecting the magnificent architecture and heritage of the building, each concept has been thoughtfully curated with a mix of modern and traditional elements to elevate the space and bring to life what’s inside the walls. In complete juxtaposition to the building’s stark white exterior, the fun, bold interiors have been designed in collaboration with renowned interior designer, Anna Spiro, known for her use of vibrant colour, patterns, and textiles. Each level will have its own unique identity and eclectic, romantic charm that will be completely different to anything else currently on offer in Brisbane.
On the ground floor will be Naldham House Brasserie and Terrace, inspired by grand hotel lobbies of the world and the culinary delights of the fine brasseries of Europe. The warm and inviting space will embody the sophistication and class of yesteryear, serving up a truly unique dining and drinking experience with pan-European cuisine and old-fashioned service. Set to become the go-to spot for afterwork drinks and dinner, the venue can hold 95 inside and 120 outside on the expansive terrace complete with its own bar.
Level one will be home to Club Felix, a late-night cocktail bar and luxurious lounge open until 2 am serving world-class drinks with small plates and charcuterie to complement. The sexy supper club-style venue will be an inviting home-away-from-home, showcasing a Champagne list like no other in Brisbane, expertly crafted cocktails, and a French-leaning menu until late. The space, which can hold 150 standing and 110 seated, can be transformed for a range of premium events including weddings, launches, and special occasions. The most playful of the venues, Club Felix will be perfect for those who love a late night libation.
Baturo said: “Brisbane has been crying out for diverse late-night city experiences. With Brisbane well and truly basking in the International spotlight, Naldham Brasserie and Terrace and Club Felix have been specifically designed to align with a growing, mature, sophisticated world-city that is committed to an energetic, fun and safe late-night economy.”
Naldham House is being delivered at a time when Brisbane’s hospitality scene is reaching new heights and the city starts to take centre stage on the world map as it looks towards the 2032 Olympics. Set to level up the Brisbane hospitality game, Naldham House will be a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike, setting a new standard for dining and entertainment, and forging a new era for the heritage precinct of Downtown Brisbane.