Brisbane’s game-changing lifestyle and dining precinct, Howard Smith Wharves has unveiled its latest riverfront restaurant, inspired by Stanley Bay in Hong Kong. The much-anticipated Cantonese restaurant has officially opened its doors.
Stanley is located in a historic two-story building which was one of the first structures built at Howard Smith Wharves in 1936. What once housed the shipping offices of Howard Smith Co. Ltd and later a water police station, has been transformed into a 220-seat restaurant which features three bars and a private dining space.
Heading up the new restaurant is Head Chef Louis Tikaram, who will be dishing up traditional Cantonese-style dishes to hungry diners. Tikaram, who was previously Executive Chef at the West Hollywood Asian fusion restaurant and bar EP/LP Restaurant, said of Stanley, “We want to support the local community, so our produce will be predominately sourced from suppliers within 100 kilometres of Stanley. I’m a big believer in flavoursome, healthy food, so I’m excited to welcome diners to Stanley, where we will have a dedicated Peking Duck kitchen, as well as a Dim Sum kitchen which overlooks the riverfront deck.”
Highlights on the Stanley menu include Peking Duck Pancakes, Steamed Hervey Bay Scallops with XO Vermicelli, Byron Bay Berkshire Pork Belly and Steamed Silken Egg Custard, Spanner Crab, White Asparagus and Trout Roe. For dessert, diners can choose from dishes including a “Splice” of fresh pineapple, vanilla gelato, lime and pineapple granita and deep-fried ice cream.
Stanley’s wine list features over 400 wines from both Australia and abroad, carefully curated by Stanley’s Head Sommelier Thibaud Cregut, who was previously of Nel. restaurant in Sydney, to complement the dishes on Tikaram’s menu.
Stanley’s interiors stem from its namesake, Stanley Bay, the once-grand British outpost located on Hong Kong Island. Paying homage to traditional Chinese design aesthetics, the ground floor features a handcrafted rattan ceiling, bamboo fretwork-lined walls and bespoke fabric adorning the banquettes. While the heritage features of the building remain, having been rejuvenated and enhanced throughout the restaurant design process, moody tones are reflected in the upstairs dining area with dark colours, hints of walnut timber and parquetry inlay floors. Diners’ eyes will be drawn to a unique circular bar, which serves as the focal point upstairs, whilst a hidden private dining room is surrounded by a hand-painted mural and intricate wall panelling. Unique antique pieces sourced from Europe and Hong Kong are featured throughout the two levels of Stanley.
Howard Smith Wharves Founder and Director, Adam Flaskas, said of the restaurant, “We’re so excited to have Stanley opening at Howard Smith Wharves, offering a world-class dining experience. Stanley will add a new dimension to the amazing restaurant options we have already, and we’re sure diners will love it.”
Stanley is sure to be another must-visit venue for locals and visitors along Brisbane’s thriving Howard Smith Wharves. Fancy a Brisbane vacay? Browse our Brisbane city breaks here for the best Brisbane accommodation.
