Fridays Riverside Closes After Four Decades of Riverfront Parties
Eagle Street institution Fridays Riverside has announced it will close its doors this weekend after 40 years of operation. The venue confirmed via social media that its final service will take place on Sunday, May 24.
Venue manager Scott Vickers told The Weekend Edition that the closure marks the end of their lease term. “We can confirm that Fridays Brisbane will be closing on Sunday 24 May,” Vickers said. He expressed gratitude to the loyal customers who have visited the riverside spot over the years.
The venue, known for its 180-degree views of the Brisbane River, has long served as a rite of passage for students and a release valve for inner-city workers. While the team hopes the spirit of the brand might return to Brisbane in the future, Vickers noted there are no confirmed plans at this stage.
A Wave of Closures Hits Brisbane’s Hospitality Scene
The news of Fridays closing follows another significant departure for the city’s bar scene. West End watering hole Bosc has also announced it will be shuttering after its final service on Saturday, June 20.
Owner Emily Tankey founded the venue, which stands for Bar of Social Conscience, in 2013. She shared on social media that the venue has been like a “continuous house party” where she made lifelong friends and taught kids how to pour their first beer.
Tankey stated that while she has had the time of her life running the bar, she acknowledged that all good things must come to an end.
New Eats and Drinks Opening in the Inner North
While some venues are closing, new spots are opening to fill the void. Sydney-born pizza brand Johnny Gio’s is set to open a second location in Rosalie before the end of June.
The new outpost will serve the same menu as its New Farm sibling, including signature pizzas like The Boss and the Johnny Vodka. The team is aiming to launch the venue in late June to serve locals in the western suburbs.
Further down the road, Japanese-inspired salad bowl purveyor FISHBOWL is opening a new location at Merthyr Village this Friday. The venue occupies the space formerly home to Siam Square Thai and features a commissioned painting titled ‘Jacaranda Trees’ by artist Noo Noo.
FISHBOWL New Farm will celebrate its opening weekend with $12 O.G. bowls and custom cookies from Idle. On Sunday, the crew will host a free community pilates class at La Burns in Little Lane while launching a limited-time menu item called ‘La Burns Way’.
Meanwhile, Romeo Italian on Oxford Street is now selling artisanal pastries from Doughcraft every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. The range blends French and Italian baking styles with options like flans, pain au chocolat, and blue cheese croissants.
