With glam décor reminiscent of a New Farm Park rotunda, Mr Percival’s at Howard Smith Wharves is a top Brisbane riverside bar.
Mr Percival’s has an oversupply of wow factor with the Story Bridge running straight overhead and the curvaceous Brisbane River showing her skyline style. Even better, it showcases the real Queensland, with local artists and artisans involved in its creation.
It has clearly been a labour of love from Howard Smith Wharves director Adam Flaskas and the joy on his face as he sabred the opening champagne was clear.
Although I haven’t seen many pelicans around this part of the Brisbane River lately, the name comes from Mr Percival, a pelican in the 1976 Australian classic movie, Storm Boy. There was a remake of the film in 2019. A very life-like pelican was perched on the rail when I visited, so maybe he will invite his mates to visit.
Image: Adam Flaskas sabres champagne to open Mr Percival’s. Photo: Kerry Heaney
On Mr Percival’s menu
Menu highlights include bug rolls with chilli mayo, and prawn cocktails along with standards such as arancini, crisp calamari and olives. There is a pizza and charcuterie menu and a few more substantial dishes such as veal schnitzel and King George Whiting.
Queensland décor at Mr Percival’s
The Queensland inspired and sourced décor designed by highly acclaimed and much loved local, Anna Spiro, evokes a retro look that invites relaxed drinking and dining. It is a vision of seafoam with pops of yellow, pink, green and blue. Expect to see pink granite reflected in mirrored tiles, patterned yellow curtains wafting in the breeze and palm trees.
Photographer Tim Salisbury took a tinny down the Brisbane River to capture the photo series which adorns the walls. Anna tips him as a photographer to watch as he readies for New York in 2019.
The octagonal design with multiple double door openings invites plenty of cross ventilation which will offer a cool respite on even the steamiest Brisbane day. It’s a great Brisbane riverside bar.
Anyone for a drink?
Mr Percival’s drink selection is powered by an impressive circular bar which is a focal point for the interior. It includes 17 cocktails along with a 50 bottle wine list with plenty of rose and aromatic whites from artisanal producers which will be perfect for sipping by the river. Occasionally you’ll even see a staff member pop out of the top. I guess they are changing the bottles.
The beer range is super local with four brews from fellow HSW venue Felons Brewing on tap.
Don’t forget to look up! You may see a head coming out of the top of this bar. Photo: Kerry Heaney
Howard Smith Wharves
The Howard Smith Wharves precinct has a five-star hotel, The Fantauzzo, eight restaurants and bars, including Greca, and six different event spaces.
With the iconic Story Bridge above, the polished cliff faces behind, and 80 per cent of the site as open space, there is plenty of room for markets and events throughout Howard Smiths Wharves.
Find Brisbane riverside bar Mr Percival’s and Howard Smith Wharves at 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane. It opens from 11 am every day of the week.
Check out the range of beer and food at Felon’s Brewing Co here.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest at the opening of Mr Percival’s.
