South Bank’s latest Gastropub, The Rose & Crown, opened its doors to a hungry Brisbane populace at the end of February.
The historic two-level Queenslander dates back to 1889 and has been a residence, police station, squatters’ den and most notably in recent history, Little Big House.
The site that was to become Little Big House was acquired by Solotel back in 2017, where extensive works were completed.
Solotel then sold the leasehold to a local hospitality group in 2021.
The new custodian of the heritage-listed site, Alex Derrick, has now reimagined it into a ‘genuine, London-style gastropub’, after his extensive experience in the industry in London and the South of England.
Derrick was one of the first to operate gastropubs in London, stating “These were pubs that really took food seriously, using the best available seasonal ingredients and producing a small but ever-changing menu”.
“At the time this was a revelation,” he added. “The secret was keeping the informal atmosphere of a local pub, not trying to be fancy or pretentious, but blowing customer expectations out of the water with restaurant-quality food.”
Head Chef Kevin Honeywood also built his experience in the UK, and naturally offers up typical British fare such as scotch eggs, steak and ale pies, and of course a Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding.
The Rose & Crown also hosts a weekly pub quiz, live music and karaoke.
“I really want to recreate the famous feel of a good British pub where regulars love bringing friends to their local and staying up later than they should, having a ball — a true home away from home,” says Derrick.
