7 Things To Love About Ascot

Ascot it all!


By Natalie McGowan | 3rd July 2024

Perched along the tranquil banks of the river, Ascot is an affluent suburb that stands out as a local gem. With its leafy streets, incredible dining establishments, and vibrant community aspect, Ascot manages to encapsulate the unique charm of Brisbane. 

From a unique men’s tailoring store to a French-inspired restaurant and bar, here are six places you must visit in and around Ascot.

Harrison’s Menswear

Harrison's Menswear

Harrison’s Menswear

Ian Harrison, owner of Harrison’s Menswear, has been keeping the gentlemen of Brisbane well-dressed since 1986. Fast forward to the present day and that’s still where you can find him, greeting visitors with his trademark smile and providing a helping hand to those who walk through his doors. As his regulars can attest, his expertise in styling and tailoring is second to none, and his commitment to going the extra mile for his customers has won him a loyal following.

At Harrison’s Menswear, customers can expect top-notch service and attention, resulting in a memorable shopping experience with every visit. Stocking some of the finest menswear brands from around the globe, the store offers a wide range of stock, from contemporary designs to classic styles. 

Whether you need everyday business wear, made-to-measure suits, or casual weekend attire, Ian is dedicated to helping men look and feel their best, no matter the occasion. It’s this dedication that has cemented the shop as one of the ultimate menswear destinations for fashionable fellas across Brisbane – no stitch-ups here, just honest tailoring.

Hervé’s Restaurant and Bar

Herves Restaurant

Hervés Restaurant and Bar

A cosy bar and restaurant serving up delectable French-inspired fare with a QLD touch? Oui oui! 

You may have heard of the French adage, “Mangez bien” (eat well), and that’s exactly what you’ll be doing at Hervés Restaurant and Bar. Occupying a revamped space tucked away in Albion, the restaurant exudes warmth and an inviting atmosphere. By night, soft mood lighting sets the stage for a romantic date night, while during the day, floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, making it a versatile space ideal for celebrations of any kind, including wedding receptions. 

Then there’s the food. Hervés Restaurant and Bar is no stranger to culinary acclaim, having earned a prestigious 12 Chef Hat award from the Australian Good Food Guide. Spotlighting fresh Queensland produce with their artisanal French dishes, the result is a delicious fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours. Paired with their extensive wine list curated to complement the menu, this homely spot is truly the crème de la crème of Brisbane eateries. With a regular list of traditions to inspire their clientele, including the upcoming Bastille Weekend and once-a-month brunch and long lunch, Herve’s continues to delight all who come through their doors.

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School: MAYO Arts Festival

MAYO Arts Festival

MAYO Arts Festival

Mark your calendars and get ready to go back to school because St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School’s biennial MAYO Arts Festival is returning this July. Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a fun, family day out, this one-day extravaganza is a must-attend. 

MAYO Arts Festival, a multi-arts showcase exhibiting emerging and established local artists and student works, is returning to Ascot on Saturday 27 July and it’s going to be one for the books. Named in honour of the school’s alumni, Daphne Mayo – an acclaimed Australian sculptor and advocate for the arts whose sculptural work you might recognise from ANZAC Square and Brisbane City Hall – the festival has been running every two years since 2008. 

Drawing crowds of supportive parents, art enthusiasts, and weekend wanderers alike, MAYO Arts Festival promises a vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity and community spirit. With a variety of market stalls offering everything from clothing to homewares, Brisbane’s tastiest food trucks serving delicious eats, a lively bar, an animal farm, and exciting carnival rides and activities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to meet talented artists like Paula Boo (@paulaboostudio) and Tracy Murray (@shutupandrelax), who will be selling their incredible works. It’s a day packed with art, entertainment, and fun – we’re giving it an A+! 

Ps, it’s free entry! 

Olive Thyme

Olive Thyme

Olive Thyme

Everyone has their own version of comfort food, but to most, it’s the dishes that are warm, moreish, and well, comfortingly delicious. That’s just the kind of food Olive Thyme specialises in. A Turkish restaurant brimming with soul, Owners Sibel and Yalcin are passionate about food, something you can tell after tasting their creations. 

Rich in flavour and culture, each dish is made from the heart and uses locally sourced ingredients to create a dining experience that celebrates family, community, and tradition. Designed to bring people together over incredible food and hand-selected, local boutique wines, Olive Thyme is a foodie haven, leaving all who visit with a memorable meal and a taste of genuine Mediterranean hospitality.

Sibel and Yalcin’s second venture, Bahche, is the result of their decades-long journey of love and exploration. Nestled in rural Sunshine Coast, Bahche is a serene farm stay experience that’s all about reconnecting with nature and Turkish traditions. Like Olive Thyme, Bahche celebrates Sibel and Yalcin’s deep-rooted connection to their culture, but here, it’s all about creating a sanctuary for guests to relax in. 

Whether you’re savouring a comforting meal at Olive Thyme or unwinding at Bahche, Sibel and Yalcin invite you to experience the warmth of Turkish culture and the joy of shared, heartfelt traditions.

Artisan Aesthetic Clinics Hamilton

Artisan Aesthetic Clinics

Artisan Aesthetic Clinics

When it comes to treating skin conditions in Brisbane, look no further than Artisan Aesthetic Clinics in Ascot. The experienced team recently welcomed Dr Ajan Kumar to collaborate with Cosmetic Nurse Katie and Dermal Therapists Julie-Anne, Frida, and Yolanda. Together, they treat a wide range of skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, rosacea, melasma, scarring, and sun damage, as well as reducing the signs of ageing – say goodbye to fine lines and deep wrinkles! 

Passionate about helping their clients achieve their skin goals now and into the future, the clinic offers treatments including RATIONALE and Ultraceutical facial therapies, Hydrafacial, skin needling, and IPL. They also provide laser treatments such as Clear+Brilliant and Genesis, great for targeting pigmentation and facial rejuvenation. Artisan’s latest offering, ThermageFLX, is a non-invasive radiofrequency therapy designed to smooth, tighten, and contour the skin. 

Empowering people to look and feel their best with their bespoke approach and highly qualified team, they provide the expertise and care you need to beat those pesky skin conditions. Recognising that everyone’s skin is unique and results can vary, they recommend booking a complimentary consultation to receive a personalised treatment plan.

The Verve Lounge

The Verve Lounge

The Verve Lounge

Did someone say one more hour of beauty sleep? It’s everyone’s dream to say “I woke up like this” and actually mean it: the glowing skin and contoured face – all without the time-consuming morning routine. Well, with a visit to The Verve Lounge, that dream can become a reality. 

Focusing on instilling their clients with long-lasting confidence and results, they constantly embrace cutting-edge advancements in the beauty industry. Case in point? The introduction of the revolutionary Morpheus8 treatment, a non-surgical solution to enhancing natural beauty. Providing comprehensive face and body dermal resurfacing, tightening, and subdermal remodelling, Morpheus8 effectively targets and strengthens the Fibro-Septal Network and skin-fat matrix. The result? Improved skin appearance and reduced irregularities. 

As exclusive stockists of luxury skincare brand BABOR in Brisbane and Fiji, their commitment to providing their clients with top-of-the-range products and services is second to none. Balancing clinical expertise with a touch of luxury, The Verve Lounge is dedicated to enhancing the quality and longevity of your skin health.

Bernborough Ascot by Keyton

Bernborough Ascot by Keyton

Bernborough Ascot by Keyton

Offering resort-style accommodation and premium amenities primely situated beside Doomben Racecourse, Bernborough Ascot provides vibrant, luxury living with skyline views. Boasting the best of what a retirement lifestyle has to offer, exciting experiences and activities are always close by. And when it’s time to unwind, home is a spacious, architecturally designed apartment with modern touches.

Whether it’s their expert wellness program, their contemporary dwellings, or their excellent facilities, everything at Bernborough Ascsot is designed with your health and happiness in mind. Featuring a resident lounge, cinema, concierge and reception service, art room, library, pools, bowling green, cafe, and more, you are granted direct access to a variety of social, recreational, and wellness activities right at your doorstep. Plus, with helpful staff always on hand to assist with any needs, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on what truly matters—living your best life. 

With construction on the second building, Poinciana House, expected to finish early next year, now’s your chance to enquire about these apartments and become part of a lively, like-minded community. After all, Bernborough Ascot isn’t just a place to retire; it’s a place to thrive.

By Natalie McGowan Office DJ and serial online shopper, Natalie’s idea of self care is watching reality TV and getting a spontaneous tattoo.
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