On Friday 30th April, Brisbane’s booming rooftop dining scene will take new heights with the opening of Iris, a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant located sky high in The Valley’s nightlife district. Ghanem Group’s second dining destination at the top of Hotel X, following the esteemed opening of Bisou Bisou, will welcome guests to sip on the rich taste of golden hour and bask in breathtaking views of Brisbane’s City skyline, Fortitude Valley and beyond.
Inspired by travelling on the Mediterranean coast from Beirut to Barcelona, guests will journey through a grand entrance of exposed stonework and crackling fire into plush interiors where they can indulge in a gourmet menu and concoction of tantalising beverages. Surrounded by blossoming wisteria, a grove of olive trees, twinkling fairy lights, and beats to make you dance the night away under the stars.
With private dining, a bungalow poolside experience, and a space that will transform into a dancefloor as the night darkens and the DJ’s crescendo builds, Iris lends itself to all occasions and Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate –from balmy summer afternoons to crisp winter evenings.
Ghanem Group Executive Chef, Jake Nicolson, said there is more to Iris than meets the eye with the
Mediterranean-inspired menu set to steal the hearts of guests near and far, as the fare journeys tastebuds to adventures in the Greek Islands and Spain.
“In true Mediterranean style, our Head Chef Lloyd Evans and I crafted a menu that connects diners over delicious share-plates in a casual, yet high-quality dining experience,” said Jake Nicolson.
Most recently at the helm of sister venue Blackbird’s private dining and event space, Lloyd is the Ghanem Group’s longest standing employee in the kitchen having been with the group since 2009.
Lloyd said he is excited to inject a new flavour into Brisbane’s vibrant dining scene that will combine the essence of a European Summer with Queensland’s inimitable subtropical lifestyle.
“Iris leans on quintessential flavours and spices, enticing guests with rich yet refreshing dishes that lend to the warmer Queensland climate, I am incredibly excited to make the sky high move to Iris,” Lloyd Evans said.
Building on the recent success of French brasserie Bisou Bisou and iconic venues Donna Chang, Boom Boom Room Izakaya, Blackbird and Le Bon Ton, Ghanem Group Managing Director Nehme Ghanem said Iris is the result of five years of planning and dreaming – and will raise the bar for luxury Queensland rooftop venues.
“We are incredibly excited to take Brisbane’s rooftop bar and restaurant experience to decadent new heights.
Everything from Iris’s views and design to cuisine and entertainment is elevating the rooftop experience as you once knew it,” said Nehme Ghanem.
“Our design experts at Space Cubed have once again run with our bold ideas and transformed our vision into a spectacular reality – we truly couldn’t be more thrilled to open this captivating space.
“From Spanish-inspired plum and Indigo shades, to rose and gold accents influenced by the Italian coast, Iris’s marble, stain-work and earthy features will transport guests to the Mediterranean.
“Positioned in the heart of Fortitude Valley and the way point between Brisbane City and Howard 
Smith Wharves, we are confident Iris will be the place to be in the Sunshine State,” he said.
Iris boasts a stunning rooftop bar with unmissable cityscapes, a luxury restaurant space (up to 200 pax), a boutique private dining room for indulgent celebrations and events (14 pax), exclusive bungalows and an enticing rooftop poolside escape.
Open 7 days from 11 am until late, Iris is located at 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. To make a booking at the bar, restaurant or private dining space, visit: www.irisrooftop.com.au or info@irisrooftop.com.au
Stay up to date by following Iris on Facebook and Instagram @irisrooftop
