The Matriarch

THE MATRIARCH IN NEWSTEAD CLOSED IN JUNE 2024.

The Matriarch is a historic Newstead warehouse turned exquisite 19th century French-style bar and dining oasis where you can partake in an all day menu from lunch to late night supper, as well as high tea and cocktails.

Enter via the vintage wrought iron gates to the charming al fresco garden terrace from where carved wooden doors lead to a splendid high-ceilinged atrium that is a world away from the streets outside.

A destination for every occasion, The Matriarch has an eclectic all day dining menu, a high tea service that is unlike any other in Brisbane, an exotic tea selection and a fabulous cocktail bar that is licensed from 11am daily.  Customers can take a seat on the gorgeous pink and gold patio furniture or inside on the plush royal blue and hot pink velvet banquettes, chairs and stools.

Adorning the stunning indoor space are 25 year old olive trees, giant urns of flowers, crystal chandeliers, kerosene glass lanterns, antique carved windows and ornate lace iron panels, while tables are marble topped and chairs are trimmed with gold. Attention to detail carries over to the bespoke cutlery with twisted wrought iron handles, gold teapots, crystal glasses and hand painted crockery.

Despite the opulent setting and trimmings, The Matriarch offers casual and affordable dining (most dishes are under $20) for all to enjoy up until 10pm at night and welcomes everyone including families with kids. This is the rare venue where a group can come in and whilst one sips on champagne, another has coffee and another a meal, at any time of day.

On the menu, which can be ordered at any time of day, are Small Bites such as Matriarch goats cheese balls, spicy chicken satay skewers, West Australian marinated sardines, cauliflower bites and sourdough cream cheese and roasted garlic bread.

To share are Trio of Sliders (including pulled pork & slaw; chicken and lemongrass cake, Asian lettuce & Japanese mayo; grilled halloumi cheese, chilli jam and rocket or mushrooms and tomato salsa) and a copious Heirloom Vegetable Board. There's also a variety of salads (halloumi & quinoa fattoush; grilled chicken caesar; or poach sake chicken breast & Asian coriander salad), as well as fresh grilled Atlantic salmon with couscous and chickpea salad, perfect for lunchtime or when you are after something lighter. 

For something more substantial, there's a dedicated Steak Menu, with a choice of Grilled T-Bone Steak. Grain Fed Rib Fillet or Rib on the Bone, with a selection of extras, including creamy pepper, mushroom or Dianne sauce and beer battered chips, garden salad or zucchini and parmesan salad.

Then for dessert there's cookies and cream cheese cake (NY style), sticky date pudding or Death by Chocolate.

The Matriarch also has a top selection of cheese boards featuring from 2 to 6 cheese varieties including Swiss, French and Australian. 

The Matriarch is also the go-to for one of Brisbane's most decadent high tea services, held on Saturdays and Sundays from 11.30-4pm. The standard high tea is just $45pp (glass of prosecco, house-made scones, Danishes, finger sandwiches, ham and cheese croissant, smoked salmon tartlets, macarons, strawberry slices, almondines, triple chocolate squares, caramel & cinnamon fanciers, chocolate crumble, raspberry cheesecake & operas) as well as Gin & Tea at $55pp and Mini cocktails & tea for $70pp. Bookings are essential.

Not just a place to dine The Matriarch is also one of Brisbane's best bars, with an extensive cocktail list including cheeky signature cocktails such as Taking My Tai Off, Party for Two, Prickly in Pink and Matcha Butcha. There are also a mix of reinvented and classic cocktails like Skinny Vodka Latte, Bubble Bae and Re-Fashioned. Another house specialty is the De-Constructed G & T and the Koyomi Highball (shochu blended with yuzu and lime, blood orange and bitter or mandarin and grapefruit).

At any time of day or night, customers can also enjoy a selection of well-brewed coffee, The Matriarch Special Ice tea, TWG teas such as Moroccan Mint , Earl Grey or Black Chai or Tavalon Teas like Crimson Punch or Rose Oolong. There's also a choice of fresh juices.

Need to know - There are function spaces available, including the front garden with its own bar, which can be cordoned off for exclusive use for groups of 20+.