The old Fox Hotel has returned, but this time it’s gone back to its original name: Hotel Terminus. After sitting empty for a few years, the South Brisbane landmark has been given a serious makeover by Ghanem Group and reopened as a four-level food, drink and late-night destination.
And there’s a bit of history behind the name. The building was completed in 1927 and is heritage-listed, with its original Queensland silky oak joinery and interwar architecture still part of the story. It was once right beside the Melbourne Street tramline and the old Greyhound bus terminal, making it a rather handy stopping point in its day.
Now there’s a new Fish Lane entrance leading into a huge 18-metre atrium, with the restored public bar and bistro downstairs. The food is classic pub territory with a little more thought behind it, from steak tartare and Scotch eggs to burgers, schnitzels and Queensland steaks.
Then there’s the Vixen Room upstairs, where things get darker and much more late-night. It’s a cocktail lounge with DJs and live music, while the Fox Rooftop brings back one of the old Fox Hotel’s best features: sitting up high with a drink while Brisbane carries on below.
So yes, it’s bigger, shinier and considerably more ambitious than your average local pub. But underneath all the new rooms and rooftop cocktails, it’s still the old Melbourne Street pub coming back to life.
Hotel Terminus
73 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Open daily from 10am till late
