For summer is (almost) here and that calls for lazy afternoons spent riverside, sipping spritz and tucking into seafood of some sort. It’s exactly the concept the latest addition to the Howard Smith Wharves development hopes to share, the vibrant waterside drinking house of Mr Percival’s. The once abandoned wharves are now home to the particularly eclectic octagonal bar and dining spot, which has been (rather fittingly) created by esteemed Brisbane design star Anna Spiro, who has again woven her distinctly tropical vibe throughout. Inspired by Europe’s least pretentious of beach clubs, Mr Percival’s is a Queensland take on a traditional summer drinking hole that will no doubt soon become a River City favourite.

Though its no surprise considering Mr Percival’s designer (and Brisbane native) Spiro is admired for her embrace of clashing patterns and colour. “When designing commercial spaces,” she explains, “our approach is always to create environments full of interest, comfort and difference that people want to linger in. Mr Percival’s will be Brisbane’s own folly; a fun place that nobody will ever want to leave,” she explains. As a result of Spiro’s passion for the whimsical, Mr Percival’s is a lair of patterned wallpaper, terracotta marble, arched windows, patterned seating, and a brass-fronted bar neighbouring a back deck adorned with salmon pink umbrellas (to offer shade from the Queensland sun, naturally). The palette? ‘The sun-speckled Mediterranean after a storm.’

You’re in good hands when it comes to food, with former The Fish House chef Damien Styles dubbed head chef here. Bar snacks are inspired by traditional Aperitivo, like fried zucchini fritters and whipped cod roe served with warm baguette. The focus on bites at Mr Percival’s are on the fresh, the summer-focus, and (above all) seafood. “This is a milestone moment for us,” Director of Howard Smith Wharves Adam Flaskas. “To see this venue open is extremely close to my heart, as it has been my vision in the making for some time—and to have so many respected locals involved —from Anna Spiro to Damien Styles—makes it all the more thrilling. Mr Percival’s is a world-class venue, one that will be part of Brisbane redefining itself as a global food and wine centre. I can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors into it later this year.”

Mr Percival’s sits in the midst of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct underneath the Story Bridge. It will be open from 11.00 am until late Sunday to Thursday, and 11.00am to 1.00am Friday and Saturday. You can gain access via 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane; mrpercivals.com.au.