Range Brewing’s brewery and taproom are in Newstead, in an area known for being industrial-cool. Rosalie is a cool area as well, but it’s suburban-cool. Instead of warehouses, EVs, and CrossFit, you’ll find Queenslander homes with inviting gardens, gourmet delis and bakeries, and trees wrapped with fairy lights.
You’ll also find Patio, Range’s home away from home. It’s a venue that combines elements of an old Aussie pub and a relaxing patio summer vibe, giving credence to the old tourism slogan: “Where else but Queensland?”
Unsurprisingly, there’s outdoor seating aplenty here. The crew describe it as a “sun-soaked neighbourhood bar,” and it does indeed come with an abundance of sunshine – and I don’t just mean the so-named XPA from the brewery’s Forever Range. When you pick a spot in the leafy courtyard, you can’t help but bask in the sunshine like a lazy cat. Until evening falls, of course, and it’s time to sit in the glow of fairy lights wrapped around the trees in true Rosalie fashion.
Inside has a retro, almost undersaturated feel – a real contrast to the vibrancy of Range’s beers. There’s exposed brick, dark timber, and enough Australiana vibes to have you wondering why you’re not wearing a flannie and thongs. But while Patio gives a throwback to the traditional corner pubs of yesteryear, you won’t find any sticky carpets, stale beer smell, or dinging pokies. It’s a casual place, but with enough good taste that no one’s belting out Cold Chisel at the top of their lungs. (Though you could always the staff to put on Khe Sanh for old times’ sake.)
There’s different seating for different moods. Slide into the banquette seating or settle on a bentwood chair for a comfortable meal. Perch on a stool at the concertina window, which lets the afternoon sun inside. Or pull up a padded stool at the tiled bar to chat with the bartender about what beers are pouring today.
Like Range’s brewery taproom, Patio is strong on beer and pizza… but Patio’s a neighbourhood bar, not a brewery taproom, so it goes broader with its offerings. On beer side, you can still expect ten taps of Range’s signature hazy IPAs, juicy pales, perfectly poured lagers, and a few more adventurous numbers. But there are also a couple of taps pouring Range’s own branded house wines – Vino Bianco and Vino Rose – made in partnership with LATTA Vino, as well as both low intervention and conventional bottled wines and a tidy cocktail list.
Meanwhile, the food menu includes the beloved slow-rise Jacopo’s Pizza for which Range are known, but expands the options with Euro-inspired small and big eats. Start as simple as burrata with cherry tomatoes, zesty herbed garlic focaccia, and marinated olives. You can step up the classiness with halloumi fries, lamb ribs, or Spanish anchovy skewers. Or, if you’re proper hungry, grab a wine or a DDH DIPA and chow down on fancy bangers & mash, roasted cauliflower, or gnocchi that’d make Nonna come back for seconds.
Patio’s the kind of spot that rises to meet any occasion. If you’re having a hot date, meet for dinner and wine at a red-tiled table in the undercover patio area, and pretend you’re dining alfresco at a Mediterranean bistro. Birthday drinks in the courtyard feel special with meat and cheese boards to share and the twinkle of fairy lights. Or just show up for no occasion at all, and stuff your face with beer and pizza at the bar. It’s hard to beat a schooner and a slice.
Because that’s the beauty of a chilled-out place like Patio. You don’t need a reason to come here. You can just show up to celebrate or relax, while every detail of the venue works together to make your experience better.
Think cosy neighbourhood spot that somehow caters to over a hundred people. Think an old school 80s bar with none of the gross bits. Think high quality offerings with zero pretentiousness. Think sleek design and sunshine and locals and laughter. Think hot Italian dishes, warm Queensland evenings, cool casual vibes, and cold beer at the ready.
Think Range Brewing, but in the suburbs.
Mick Wüst
