Everything To Know About Brisbane’s Hottest New Spot, Naldham House
An icon returns
Naldham House, the latest hospitality venture from DAP & Co., made its debut in July after a nearly decade-long slumber. Boasting a sophisticated European-style brasserie, a sun-kissed alfresco terrace bar, and a swanky late-night cocktail lounge (plus, one more addition still under wraps).
With its rich history spanning over 150 years and the new design perspective courtesy of an impressive collaboration between Anna Spiro Design and DAP & Co., we felt privileged to chat with DAP & Co. Founder, Andrew Baturo, and Communications and Marketing Manager, Sean Waters, to find out all about the venue.
Naldham House boasts a rich history dating back to 1864. How did you blend the building’s historic charm with modern luxury?
Importantly, there’s an element to the design – with all its boisterous colours and textures and fabrics and confidence – that doesn’t overpower or discount the existing hand-crafted features of a bygone day. We urge you, as you walk through the building and back in time, to take a moment to appreciate the ceiling roses, the joists, the stairwell, the windows, the verandahs and patios, the colonnades, and pilasters, and my favourite; the green man.
What were the most exciting aspects of the renovation?
The design that Anna Spiro and DAP & Co. have collaborated on, over three levels and over a few years now, is in my humble and unbiased opinion, breathtaking. It’s stunningly beautiful. It’s unexpected and dynamic – but there’s timelessness and tradition here as well. Traditional hospitality is something that we at DAP & Co. always try to incorporate into your guest experience.
Anna Spiro, renowned for her vibrant use of texture and colour, played a key role in the design. Can you describe Anna Spiro’s design brief?
We wanted to respect the magnificent architecture of Naldham House but also incorporate some more modern elements to create a fun, bold, and welcoming atmosphere. We pitched a vibe that had a wonderful old, yet modern clubhouse feeling to it that isn’t stuffy, but instead has that cool, neo-traditional atmosphere we always love to create.
Which of her design choices, including homewares and furnishings, are most prominent?
The wall hangings, and soft finishings – very Anna.
With a focus on pan-European cuisine, what dishes and flavours can guests expect?
A classic brasserie menu, with a few twists and turns that make it perfectly suited to the QLD climate and clientele. Doug is also a stickler for using local, and artisan produce when possible, and having moved back to QLD from Victoria, he is obsessing over the produce up North.
What are the chefs’ specialities?
Definitely the Pithivier. A crowd favourite already. And the dry-aged pork tomahawk!
How did you curate the menu to reflect diverse culinary traditions while maintaining a cohesive dining experience?
Executive Chef Doug wanted to bring some classic European Brasserie dishes into the modern age and perfectly suit it to Brisbane. Approachable, produce-driven, without pretentiousness and above all, delicious.
Who is the typical guest at Naldham House?
Anyone and everyone! That’s what makes it so special. A multitude of experiences can be had. Celebrations, post-work drinks, casual catch-ups. The world is your oyster at Naldham.
What are people enjoying most about the venue?
Chef Doug’s delicious menu and of course the design. The Terrace has proved to be an enormous hit. Always wise to arrive early for the Terrace.
What do the team members love most about the venue?
The design, its beauty, constantly finding hidden little treasures and details around the venue. It’s a gift that just keeps giving!
Before its reopening in July, the building was vacant for nearly a decade. What impact do you anticipate the reopening will have on the local community and Brisbane’s dining scene?
We know that Naldham means a lot to many. People have been reaching out to us, telling us of the weddings they have been to, that their parents were members, or that they worked in the building. We fully understand and appreciate that Naldham is an icon of pride for many, and we are proud to play our part in returning it to Brisbane.
Any exciting upcoming projects or events happening before the end of the year?
You’ll have to wait and see…
Header: @naldhamhouse
