Osbourne Again!

The historic Osbourne Hotel (Cnr Ann & Constance Streets) is 153 years young as it reopens its doors in Fortitude Valley. Former names including The Dead Rat, the Rat and Parrot, and Fringe Bar, the venue has returned to its original name by the Fitzgibbons family, who have owned the popular venue for almost four decades.

The Hemingway bar in The Glasshouse, directly in front of the Ann St entrance, is lovely and well-stocked, and the area is spacious, with light wooden benches and booths, interspersed with greenery. The whole place has a very outside-inside feel. Finishing touches were being put on the street art in the back corner as we sipped our drinks, and the DJ kept tunes pumping well into the night.

The second bar in the Front Room, facing more onto Constance Street, has an older feel, filled with comfy couches and cushions, and further away from the bustle and the music. Upstairs, the function rooms look a little less fresh but provide heaps of space and a great view from the balcony over Constance Street.

We sampled some delicious cocktails (like the Hemingway, above) and from the menu I can personally vouch for the Taleggio & Parmesan Arancini balls with truffle aioli, and the Wild Mushroom pizza (so cheesy, so good!).

I’ll definitely be heading back to the Osbourne as the weather heats up – the fans in The Glasshouse kept us cool all night and with nearly 100 beer taps throughout the venue you can’t go wrong for a summer Sunday sesh!