I have a fascination with old buildings - holidays will see me sightseeing historic architecture & places of interest rather than shopping. I know, blasphemous! One of the exciting things for me in moving to Brisbane was the sense of history in the many old buildings that survive today. It wasn't all sunshine & tropical fruit that drew my fancy! I've always been a bit in love with the classic Queenslander (think house style, not Sir Joh) so it was a thorn of annoyance that after 5 years living in this city, I hadn't really had a chance to tour an old building.
Until recently.....
Thank you Regatta Hotel.
The Regatta Hotel, built in 1874, sits on the Brisbane River, where it has seen history flow on regardless of countless drunken nights & quiet rendezvous. It has been flooded SIX times, & still manages to look like a graceful old lady, which is exactly what she is. Flooded in 1887, three times in 1893, 1974 & again in January 2011 - every time her cellars & sometimes even the second floor have been inundated with Brisbane River's murky waters. You can read more about her history here, although one point worth mentioning is that in 1965, 2 women tried to order a beer from the public bar & when they where refused, handcuffed themselves to the bars footrail in a display of feminist insurgency. This protest eventually led to laws being changed that allowed women equal drinking rights to men, so we should all light a candle of thanks to their honor. Or at least raise a toast.
The hotel will be opened in stages throughout 2012, but it was very interesting for me to see the the old glimpsed through the new. These bricks at the entrance will eventually be covered, so I am glad I got to see them before then. Flood Markers at the front will show the water level from each flood once the scaffolding is gone.
Attention Brisbane coffee drinkers - this hotel serves an extremely decent cup of coffee. I am embarrassed to say that I have turned into a bit of a coffee snob & would mostly prefer to make my own rather than drink some disappointingly dirty water somewhere. This coffee was so good I had 2 cups. I know.
The Regatta Hotel treated us to a lovely morning tea, & even put out activity bags for children. Very thoughtful. The children who attended really loved them.
And of course it freed up the adults to chat! Don't bloggers love a chat? Those ladies to the left, hiding behind their iPhones, are Bronnie, Melissa & Kym. Then Steve & his lovely wife, & their 2 gorgeous children.
The functions manager took us on a tour to show & tell what upgrades had happened, & what was going to happen. They have managed to keep many historical elements, which is just as well as the building is classified by the National Trust of QLD, & is also entered on the Queensland Heritage Register. If you are interested, lunch & guided tour packages are available here.
The hotel is named The Regatta Hotel because of the rowing regattas held close by, to celebrate Foundation Day in 1842 & then Separation Day in 1859. In true
Sitting on the first floor balcony, enjoying that divine coffee, watching the river flow by...
Can you think of anything nicer? OK, maybe a gin & tonic but it was a brunch, people!
This was The Boatshed Restaurant & beer garden, & after the ground is levelled it will again be a fabulous new restaurant with an open kitchen & a lovely beer garden area without hazardous stairs to trip you up. This area used to have a toilet block that was famous for it's 2 way mirrors - patrons couldn't see in but those at the urinal could see out. Until one day, when they suddenly realised that the magic film on the mirror had lost it's magic & everyone could see into the urinal. Woops! I'm told there was a hasty assembling of large promotional billboards ...
I was so happy to finally meet Maria in person, who I have emailed with for ages!
Just as lovely in real life.
Hello Jacqui! What is that cheeky grin in aid of??
I took this picture from the City Cat jetty across the road. Not sure who are those guys waving at me, maybe they are telling me the City Cat is about to board? Happy to have their photo taken? Just gosh darn friendly? I don't care, it made me smile :)
After a lovely morning, I headed back into the city. I really love that you can traverse this city via the river, it is restful & exciting all at the same time. Regulars read their books & hardly look out the windows, but I love it, & take photos just like all the tourists. I always find a hundred things to look at.
Back into it!
Thanks Regatta Hotel for an interesting & informative morning.
xx
Disclaimer: I was a brunch guest at the Regatta Hotel. No money was paid for this post.