Go Whistle Dixie at Fortitude Valley’s new bar & bistro

The Whistle Dixie set a craic-ing pace at its opening on Wednesday night – such a fantastic atmosphere amongst 200 Brisbaners from all walks of life, including sports stars, media moguls, local leaders, fashion stars, and plebeians like ourselves. We were all welcomed with equal affection by the new venue’s owners – Irish-born, long-time Brisbaners Gerry Moley (Foxy Bean, Holy Moly) and Mick McLoughlin.

Located at 900 Ann Street, on the corner of Brookes Street in Fortitude Valley, the new bar and bistro is no Irish pub – with floor-to-ceiling glass and polished concrete floors the space has a light and bright aesthetic, and the indoor-outdoor laneway location, backing onto the landscaped grounds of the neighbouring church, will no doubt be a nice sunny spot for breakfast in winter, or a comfy spot to settle in for dinner in summer.

The bar was christened by an earnest Welcome to Country from Aunty Maroochy Barambah, as well as speeches from the owners, local leaders Grace Grace MP and Cr Vicki Wilson, and Dr Steven Ogden, Rector of the neighbouring Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Triple M’s Ben Dobbin emceed the evening.

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and did a great job throughout a busy night. Chef Joe Lewty (Black Hide, River Quay Fish) joins the team alongside Mick’s son Ben McLoughlin (Jade Buddha, Emporium Hotel), who will be managing the venue.

To “Whistle Dixie” is an old idiom meaning to engage in unrealistically rosy fantastising, but Mick and Gerry have brought their fantasy to life in this lovely new take on Irish hospitality, which will be offering good times morning, noon and night.

Read more about the Whistle Dixie’s menu and opening hours on their website.