Sure, Brisbane’s got rooftop bars, fancy gelato and more bin chickens than it knows what to do with. But beyond the shiny new stuff are businesses that have stood their ground for decades. They’ve survived floods, fires, changing fashions and still open their doors every day. So if you want to see the real Brisbane, start with the locals who’ve lasted longer than the ibis.
The Victory Hotel (1855)
Built in 1855 and initially known as the ‘Prince of Wales’ Hotel, this Edward–Charlotte Street pub is Brisbane’s oldest surviving hotel. Renamed the Victory Hotel in 1921, it has retained its 19th‑century character even after major renovations. A serious fire gutted the inn in 2008, but it was rebuilt to its original form and reopened in 2009. Today the Victory is a heritage-listed CBD pub still serving locals and visitors alike.
Brisbane Arcade (1924)
Opened on 16 April 1924, the Brisbane Arcade is the city’s grand Edwardian shopping mall. Commissioned by Dr James and Mary Mayne, it linked Queen and Adelaide Streets with 40 tiled floor shops. This heritage listed arcade has changed little: its stained glass windows and chandeliers still recall the 1920s style. It remains a retail landmark and is celebrated as Brisbane’s oldest shopping arcade.
Castlemaine Perkins Brewery (1878)
The Milton Brewery opened in 1878 under the Castlemaine banner, founded by Nicholas and Edward Fitzgerald. It produced XXXX ales and lagers from day one and continues brewing on the same site today. Known for its “Fourex” mascot and Gold medal beers, the brewery survived mergers and modernisation. Now part of Lion-Dairy & Drinks, Castlemaine Perkins still operates in Brisbane and brews its flagship XXXX Beer on the original Milton site.
The Glen Hotel (1865)
The Glen (formerly Baker’s Hotel) has been serving beer and meals on Logan Road since 1865. Charles Baker opened it that year and it was soon renamed Eight Mile Plains Hotel. Scottish owners renamed it The Glen in 1927 and it has traded continuously ever since. For decades the pub’s wood chopping events drew crowds and helped form the Queensland Axeman’s Association. Today the family run Glen Hotel is one of Queensland’s longest running country pubs.
Breakfast Creek Hotel (1890)
Built in grand “French Renaissance” style for William Galloway and opened on 17 May 1890, the Breakfast Creek Hotel became famous for riverside views and quality steaks. Heritage‑listed today, its ornate brick exterior and large timber balconies survive. Despite floods and changing times, the hotel has poured drinks and hosted diners for well over a century. It remains a popular Brisbane pub–restaurant with a legacy as one of the city’s great historic hotels.
