With Christmas only mere weeks away, now is the time to get ahead of the crowd and start planning those pre-Christmas events. The Barracks precinct at the head of Petrie Terrace is the ideal setting that is not only home to great specialty stores but moreover great restaurants that cater to different tastes. What better location to host this year’s work, friend or family functions? Here is a selection of what’s on offer for Christmas 2014:
The Chelsea
Why not change it up and do your Christmas gathering for breakfast instead? The Chelsea Bistro is a popular place for Christmas party breakfasts, with doors opening at 7am. A breakfast party is a convenient pre-work option for those running on tight schedules and pre-holiday deadlines. The Chelsea also offers the more traditional lunch and dinner services as well as the option for a separate dining room for larger groups to celebrate the end of the year. For New Year's Eve, these guys will also be offering two a la carte dining sittings, with complimentary French bubbles by Louis Bouillot in Burgundy for any bookings of 6 or more.
Breakfast 7 days a week from 7pm
Dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm
P 3367 1288 www.thechelsea.com.au
Libertine
If you’re torn between European and Asian cuisines, why not have both? Libertine’s fusion French-Vietnamese menu boasts small plates and heartier dishes that lend well to sharing with others, and are the perfect style of meals for the humid Brisbane summer. Open for Christmas Day lunch from 11.30, Libertine will be serving up a delectable eight-course spread for just $79 per person. If you’re searching for the perfect destination for your staff Christmas party, Libertine is offering a 7 course banquet for $65pp or 8 course banquet for $75pp. And if you're looking for somewhere to fill your belly before New Year's Eve celebrations this year, they're open for a la carte dining from 4pm.
Lunch Monday to Sunday from 12pm
Dinner 7 days a week from 5pm
P 3367 3353 www.libertine.net.au
Peasant
Since Christmas is the time of year for sharing, why not take it literally and share your food as well. The food, by chef Jay Rowley, draws inspiration from numerous experiences, with a summer menu that’s fresh, light and fruity, with some amazing flavor pairing - scallops with raisins, cauliflower and dry sherry - to name but one. Dishes range from small bite-sized tapas plates to larger meals that make for an interactive and social dining experience. With set menus that cater to larger groups and those with specific dietary requirements and a stunning, leafy outdoor dining area, Peasant is the perfect place for larger groups.
Lunch Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 3pm
Dinner 7 days a week from 5pm
P 3367 8066 www.peasant.com.au
Stewarts Wine Co.

Stewarts Wine Co. has a selection of unique imported and local beverages on offer, perfect for gift-giving.
If you’re looking for beverages and sophisticated drops to match your Christmas soirées at home, Stewarts Wine Co. is your one stop shop for all things wine, beer and liquor. The family-owned business offers exceptional value, sourcing your not-so-standard drops from Australia and internationally. Boasting premium and unique wines, spirits, liqueurs and possibly the biggest range of craft beers in Brisbane. You’ll also find cocktail mixes – the good stuff you’d find in bars – as well as a range of giftware including decanters and Reidel glassware, with free gift-wrapping in store!
P 1300 130 838 www.stewartswineco.com.au
Please note that this post has been sponsored. However, all opinions expressed by the writer are genuine and in their own words.