PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
One of the loveliest old buildings to grace the Brisbane River’s banks, the century-old Customs House has been beautifully restored by the University of Queensland. Today, the building serves as a cultural, educational and heritage facility, and with its grand Corinthian columns and majestic ballroom it’s a popular venue for weddings. Customs House Brasserie consists of a riverside alfresco area under a newly constructed roof and a large, elegant dining room, decked out in earthy tones with a richly patterned carpet and interesting artworks from the university museum.
A modern European-influenced menu makes use of some terrific local produce, while remaining quite fairly priced. Entrees include oysters gratinated with smoked salmon, confit tomato and hollandaise, and steamed crab mousse nori roll with grilled king prawns, wasabi beurre blanc and sesame rice. Mains include Bangalow pork-rib fillet on sauteed potato with apple, lardons, green beans and grain mustard sauce, or veal loin with Italian herbs, spring vegetables and porcini truffle cream sauce. Among some truly delectable desserts is the vacherin of pistachio and lemon curd ice-cream with Chantilly cream, raspberry coulis and pistachio praline
LOCATION
On the Brisbane River in the CBD.
DETAILS
Dwarfed by modern towers of glass and steel, Customs House still shines like a beacon on the banks of the Brisbane River. With work commencing in 1886, Customs House is an imposing and rare surviving masterpiece of colonial architecture. This grand old building has been beautifully restored and maintained by the University of Queensland and today serves as a cultural, educational and heritage facility. Behind the Corinthian columns you will find exquisite boardrooms, a stunning ballroom, and a licensed restaurant.
The licensed restaurant is housed in a heritage room, and there are outside tables overlooking the river and the Story Bridge. The relaxed dining ambience is popular with tourists, business clients and local customers. The cuisine is innovative international with an emphasis on fresh seasonal produce including seafood. The wine list has quality wines at competitive prices. Savoury and sweet snacks are available throughout the day and there is also a Sunday Breakfast menu.
Set menus for groups are also available.
FUNCTIONS
With seven different rooms available for hire, excellent facilities including audio-visual equipment and catering for up to 350 people, the unique setting of Customs House is an ideal venue for functions, conferences and weddings.
