With 14,000 Bottles, Winnifred’s Is a Game-Changer for Champagne in Brisbane

Earlier this year we wrote about the excitement building in Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics. We noted that a wave new venues, many of which happen to be run by first-time owner-operators, were shaping the local hospitality scene. If that story were written today, it would no doubt include Winnifred’s.

The champagne-dedicated venue is not only a first for Brisbane, but perhaps a first for Australia. With 14,000 bottles from 63 different growers and grandes marques, it’s an ambitious project. A few years ago, you might have wondered if Brisbane was ready for something like it. Since Winnifred’s opened in August, the city has answered with a resounding “yes”.

“The majority of people walking through the doors are coming specifically to try something different,” founder Megan Nunn tells Broadsheet. “It’s such a great feeling because that’s what we’re here for – to help them understand regional champagne and all the different producers.”

Nunn named the venue after her grandmother Winnifred Barrett, who welcomed everyone into her home. When Nunn visited Champagne, she felt that same warmth from local producers who opened their doors to her. It’s a feeling she aims to re-create at Winnifred’s, and you can sense it as soon as you step inside.

If warmth is the first impression, the second is the design. Nunn worked with architect Tim Stewart and Bespoke Constructions to bring the venue to life. Recycled brick, warm lighting and natural timber finishes combine to create a space that feels both grand and intimate.

Spanning two levels, the venue is divided into several spaces. Out front, a small garden with a scattering of tables leads to a concierge area featuring a large map of Champagne and a display of bottles available to purchase for takeaway. Further inside, there’s an 18-seat bar and a 60-seat bistro. Upstairs, two private rooms host functions and masterclasses.

An open kitchen sits in the bistro, where Brittany-born chef Antoine Potier (ex- Restaurant Dan Arnold) serves French classics with a twist. Think beef tartare with bone marrow and grain crisps; quail with mushrooms and foie gras sauce; and almond-fed pork belly with parsnip and pickled apple.

Seafood also shines with a selection of oysters; house-made gravlax; scallops with artichoke and macadamia; and fish of the day with turnips and champagne sauce.

As the weather warms, Nunn expects the garden and bar to become more popular. The bar menu is more concise, with oysters, charcuterie and cheese. It’s perfect for drop-in visits.
“I think it’s coming into the season where people want to be outside in the sun, drinking champagne and eating oysters,” Nunn says. “I hope this momentum will continue through to Christmas.”

Winnifred’s
34 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley
0477 509 445

Hours:
Champagne bar and shop
Tue 4pm–late
Wed to Sat 11am–late

Bistro
Tue 5.30pm–9pm
Wed to Sat 11.30am–9pm

winnifreds.com.au
@winnifredsonarthur