Coming Soon: Hello Gorgeous to Open in Newstead

Justinn DeBeer has been a key player in some of Brisbane’s most significant openings, helping manage Bar Alto , Laruche and Brooklyn Standard , among others. Now he’s tackling his own venue, transforming the old Chester Street Bakery into an ebullient bar called Hello Gorgeous.

DeBeer reckons the approach to Hello Gorgeous is simple, fun, colourful and down-to-earth. “There seems to be speakeasy-bar places opening,” he says. “I’m trying to do something different to that.”

DeBeer has worked closely with stylist Bea Berry on the fit-out. The palette is dominated by pinks, teals and rich blues, with brass detailing adorning the archways that help open up the space. When completed, the space will feature chandeliers and Spanish-style rose mallow tiles.

Outside, a deck will seat 60 people in the shade for afternoon drinks, while an upstairs area is being set aside for functions and private dining (and as a back-up space should the summer storms encroach).

“The food is share plates with a strong focus on seafood.” DeBeer says. The first menu will include coconut-crusted rum-drunken prawns, sesame-crusted tuna-loin sliders, and roasted bone marrow with sourdough crisps.

DeBeer is designing an extensive drinks list with more than 30 red, rosé and white wines and 10 sparklings and champagnes by the bottle. Cocktails will include a grapefruit spritzer and more exotic creations such as the Miss G (Belvedere vodka, blue cacao and blueberry shrub) and the Quiet Sunday (Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, honey puree, lemon).

Hello Gorgeous is scheduled to open late January.