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Matt Moran opens bar by the river

Natascha Mirosch

Matt Moran's new venue...Brisbane Riverbar & Kitchen.
Matt Moran's new venue...Brisbane Riverbar & Kitchen.John Reyment

Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan's new venture is open for business. Brisbane Riverbar and Kitchen is their second Brisbane venue.

“Three and a half years ago when we came up here to set up Aria Brisbane, we were really excited about what was happening on the Brisbane food scene," Moran says.

"When we decided to do another place, rather than set up in Melbourne, we chose Brisbane because we already have the entire infrastructure in place with Aria. And it's a fantastic location."

Festive drinks ... Riverbar & Kitchen.
Festive drinks ... Riverbar & Kitchen.John Reyment
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Former tenants, The Boardwalk, who went under in the floods (then went under financially), might not agree, but Moran and Sullivan – who have been business partners for 21 years – say that despite having to clean heaps of river mud out of the venue's walls they're not concerned about the water rising again.

"We haven't even thought about it." Moran said. "It's never going to happen again."

Fingers and toes crossed for you, boys.

Matt Moran.
Matt Moran.Richard Birch

Riverbar reflects its watery location, with the light-filled ambience of a boathouse.

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There's a massive ship's-rope feature light, peaked timber rafters and a sea-green polished concrete floor, with most of the tables tucked inside in the cool or under the shade of a large sail.

Foremost "a bar with good food", the food focus is casual; with share plates like the famous lamb shoulder from Moran and Sullivan's other new baby, Sydney's Chiswick, as well as sliders and wood-fired pizza.

There are cocktails and wallet-friendly wine and beer options too, plus a few big-ticket numbers on the wine list if you're feeling flush.

And good news for those who find themselves in the CBD on a weekend morning when there's a paucity of places open - they do breakfasts.

Brisbane Riverbar & Kitchen, 71 Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane

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