It was home to one of Brisbane's much loved fine diners, but when the two hatted Ortiga closed in 2013 the site was snapped up by one of Brisbane's longest running hospitality operations, Mantle Group, to be their fourth little piggy, Pig 'N' Whistle Brunswick Street.
A lot of work has been put into creating the right casual atmosphere here and the heritage-listed building is also made of brick which will ward off any wolves.
Casual and fun, Pig 'N' Whistle plays homage to the authentic bars found on any corner in England and there's plenty of English accents on staff to ensure everything is correct.
Venue manager and British expat Adam Hardwick is passionate about the 18 beers on taps and the two old-style English pump taps featuring authentic British ales. The bar also has eight wines on tap with a rotating line up of Australian and New Zealand wines. There's also an extensive wine cellar downstairs in the 60 seat restaurant.
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| Adam Hardwick with his new beer tap. |
There have been more than a few changes to the building, the most dramatic being the inclusion of a large courtyard area on Brunswick Street. There's a retractable roof for all season use and plenty of greenery around the brick walls. The footpath seating has been created by a local Noosa craftsperson.
Stairs from here lead downstairs to the restaurant section of the venue which looks very similar to the old Ortiga days.
Heading up the kitchen is Head Chef Michael Muir with a simple, yet authentic menu that draws from Mantle Group's own organic farm at Pullenvale and their direct relationship with local farmers. (That's Pig 'N' Whistle Executive Chef Deniz Coskun with Head Chef Michael Muir in the first photo.)
Expect to enjoy burgers and rolls, British pub classics, beef sourced directly from Kimberly Red and broken down in house, curries, pizza and more.
The Pig 'N' Whistle Brunswick Street will be open seven days and serves breakfast on the weekends.
Recommended for: Those seeking a casual atmosphere but good food, beer lovers, British expats seeking a taste of home.
Bottom line: Entrees around $17, burgers $19, Mains $35, pizzas $20, desserts $15.
Best tip: Parking is hard to find in this area.
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest of Pig 'N' Whistle.