Last year I encouraged you to explore Brisbane's seedy underbelly - kind of. Actually, I suggested you check out the lanes and alleyways of Brisbane, which had recently been given a trendy makeover by the Brisbane City Council. Since then, the Brisbane laneway revolution has taken off. Here are some of the places that have popped up in the last twelve months.
Burnett Lane has become a whimsical outdoors gallery, as you can see in
this article by Gill Booysen. Many pieces pay tribute to Charles Burnett, the streets namesake, but you'll also find a rotating collection of kooky signs, installations, and other bits and pieces.
When I last visited Burnett Lane there was only one eatery, but now the street could easily be rechristened Coffee Lane.
Brew, a relative newcomer to the Brisbane coffee scene, has quickly secure a spot amongst Brisbane's best. Brew becomes a wine bar after hours, but if you're after something heavier, check out
Super Whatnot. Boutique beers, premier wine, top shelf spirits, but with a capacity of 60, you'd better get there early.
On Market Lane,
Malt Bar is a bright and gaudy addition to the sometimes drab CBD. The establishment boasts three stories – an underground dining room, a ground level cocktail bar, and upstairs restaurant. If you're after a decent cocktail, Malt is the place to go.
While in many other cities you would be advised against venturing down dark alleyways, we Brisbanites like to do things differently. I said it then and I'll say it now – the best way to experience Brisbane's revitalised laneways is to get in there and walk around. So put on your walking shoes and, basically, get lost!
