Just Open: Farrier at the Queen's Arms Hotel, Brisbane

Brisbane pubs finally seem to be upgrading their parmy-heavy menus for something a bit more engaging.

Spring Hill's Alliance Hotel has been leading the charge, with the food going from strength to strength under head chef Graham Waddell, formerly of Baguette in Racecourse Road. The pig's trotter and beef short rib with smoked mash alone are worth a visit to The Alliance.

The latest pub revamp is at the Queen's Arms Hotel where it would horrify the ghost of Sir Joh to know that night owls are catered for until 2am. Drawing its name from its origins as a watering hole for local farmers, Farrier is owned by veteran hotel proprietors Chris and Mary-Lou Condon.

"Trading hours are a big sore point and patrons have limited choices when it comes to seeking good food and wine after 10pm any day of the week," Chris Condon says.

"Farrier's focus will be on delivering simple, comfort food with an edge using quality produce and you'll be able to get that late at night, seven days a week."

Farrier chef is Jason Anderson who has returned to the pub after a stint at Yard Bird Ale House. Anderson's menu is Asian-influenced and includes smaller snacks like blow-torched scallops in a turmeric wafer taco, and duck and chicken bao, to larger meals like red curry brisket and congee.

A pared-back late night supper menu includes some of the above plus desserts including the retro favourite, deep-fried ice-cream, here topped with lychee jelly and caramelised chilli snow, as well as Chinese doughnuts served with green tea ice-cream and sesame-white chocolate sauce.

Farrier at the Queen's Arms Hotel, open daily noon-2am, 64 James Street, Fortitude Valley, 07 3358 2799, qahotel.com