Beyond Foresters’ grand Federation façade lies a new 140-seater restaurant and bar, inspired by the old world establishments of New York and Hong Kong. Slotting into the bottom level of the new multi-million dollar FV by Peppers, the venue will open from early till late, catering to both hotel guests and walk-ins off the street.

Helmed by executive chef Peter Popow, Foresters will offer an elevated gastropub menu that puts a sophisticated spin on Aussie pub classics. Tuck into hearty fare like chicken parmigiana with pepperberry salt chips, a Black Onyx beef burger and country roast chook, seasoned with lemon myrtle and served with bacon fat potatoes. There will also be housemade damper produced from milk stout by Sea Legs Brewing.

During the day, Foresters will offer a brunch menu to rival the trendiest of cafes. There will be smashed avo on quinoa toast with a smear of cashew cream, coconut chia pudding with decorative toppings like acai, mandarin jelly and toasted granola, and Instagram favourite, souffle pancakes, served with brûleed custard and fresh seasonal fruits.

Tucked around the corner from the main restaurant will be an intimate cocktail lounge with seating for 60. Top tipples from the list include the Bush Fire Negroni, made with Mt Uncle ‘Bushfire’ Smoked Gin and a salted caramel espresso martini garnished with popcorn, which pays homage to the site’s former life as a movie theatre. Later this month, Altitude at Foresters, a new rooftop bar with cabanas, will launch on level 6.

The heritage-listed site has been respectfully revived with new internal fixtures. Original archways and exposed brick walls pair with luxe furnishings, like quilted leather lounges, gold-trimmed marble tables and black sconce lighting, to create a moody old-world setting.

Foresters Restaurant & Bar is located at 209 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley. For more details or to book, head to forestersfv.com.au.