Iconic Queensland steakhouse the Norman Hotel in Woolloongabba, proudly known as “Brisbane’s worst vegetarian restaurant”, has just announced the arrival of its twin, Norman Northside, due to open mid next year.
Leasehold owner of the 136-year-old pub, James Power represents the third generation of Power Brewing. He purchased the original Norman a decade ago for almost $7 million.
Now, work has started on Norman Northside, located on the corner of Samford Road and Wardell Street in Enoggera.
The 3,077sqm site has been vacant since the government upgraded the intersection twelve years ago.
Boasting a modern Spanish-inspired design, the upcoming three-story venue will house an on-site butcher, serving premium steaks at reasonable prices in a relaxed atmosphere.
The new pub will honour The Norman’s legacy while offering a contemporary take on the traditional steakhouse, providing large-format dining of 400 seats and a rooftop beer garden.
Like its namesake, the Norman Northside will offer the yearly 1-kilo challenge, and will not offer live music. With neighbouring residents in mind, only one outside dining area will have amplified music, which will be background music, from 7am to 10pm. There will be no amplified sound from the rooftop.
Nearby residents will also be screened from the hotel by landscaping at least three metres wide.
Previously approved by council for a mix of businesses over a 2,530sqm area, the pub will sit on a gross floor area less than previously approved.
Its design will allow a connection between local community facilities and the railway station, with ground level retail spaces set back from the boundary lower than street level, away from the adjacent road networks.
It is expected that current local parking issues will not be made significantly worse, courtesy of the addition of 115 parking spaces.
“The proposal is for a mixed use, restaurant-focused development (which) will provide a high-quality restaurant outcome,’’ the development application said.
“The restaurant will provide a focal point for the local residents.’’
It is expected Norman Northside will meet community demand for dining choices as the only drinking and dining venue in the local area.
There has already been positive community support for the new pub, with five hundred people already signed up to the new venue’s mailing list.
