VenuesLive

Introducing Layla by Shane Delia – Brisbane’s newest hotspot opens with a bang

Layla is OPEN! An exciting new chapter in Brisbane’s culinary story is underway with celebrated chef Shane Delia wowing guests on opening night of his new restaurant Layla.

“There is a real buzz in Brisbane; I can feel it and I’m excited,” Shane told the assembled crowd at the Thomas Dixon Centre. “I’m honoured to open Layla as my first venture in a city that is continually showing ambition as a vibrant new culinary destination in Australia.”

More than 250 guests got a first taste of the share-style menu that is bursting in flavour while also sampling some of sommelier Darcy Curnow’s finest from a 150-bottle wine list.

The grand opening of premium restaurant Layla is another milestone in the transformation of the Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s emerging cultural hub of West End. VenuesLive is hospitality partner of the Thomas Dixon Centre, the home of Queensland Ballet.

A new all-day café called Tom’s Kitchen has opened near the venue entrance while the Centre’s stunning spaces are being brought to life as venues for a variety of private and corporate events, featuring a menu inspired by Shane Delia and Layla restaurant.

Put Layla on your must-experience list for Brisbane. It’s a stunner!

📌 Layla, by Shane Delia
Thomas Dixon Centre
Corner Montague Road & Raven Street, West End, Brisbane.
Opening Hours: Tues-Wed from 5:30pm; Thurs to Sun
from 12noon.
Bookings ➡️ www.laylabrisbane.com.au

Layla offers an aromatic feast for the senses, championing local Queensland produce and drawing inspiration from a diverse array of exotic subcontinent and Middle Eastern influences.

Shane Delia’s passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences and bold Middle Eastern flavours has established his flagship restaurant Maha as a mainstay of Melbourne’s dining scene for the past 17 years, and extends to his other beloved Melbourne venues Maha North, Maha East, and Jayda.

Layla is an extension of the artistic excellence celebrated at the Thomas Dixon Centre. Accessed from the corner of Montague Road and Raven Street in West End, the restaurant is housed within the historical, heritage-listed section of the building, and can also be entered via a spiral staircase or lift from the ground floor of the Centre.

Melbourne-based architecture firm Studio Y has led the design of Layla, harmoniously connecting a dimly lit moody restaurant interior and a bright, sunlit, adjoining outdoor courtyard. In the main dining room, exposed brick walls connect to the history of the original building dating back to 1908, alongside luxurious, tactile materials in blue velvet upholstery, walnut timber, blue terrazzo floors and brass accents. A softer palette outdoors complements the open-air terrace in the form of natural beige umbrellas and stone topped tables surrounded by lush greenery.

Leading the Layla kitchen is Head Chef Simon Palmer (Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s Bistro, E’cco Bistro), who has collaborated closely with Delia and his team on an immersive spice-forward menu celebrating a diverse mix of international influences. “It has been amazing working alongside Shane, learning from him and his unique approach to spice, and coming up with what we believe is a new offering to Brisbane’s dining scene,” says Simon.

“There’s so much incredible produce in Queensland that you can’t get anywhere else in the world, it’s been a lot of fun experimenting with ingredients that I’m not typically known for – kaffir lime, ginger, lemongrass; I’m excited to test something new at Layla,” adds Shane.

Prioritising a flexible offering whether it’s for an express pre-theatre dinner, family celebration, or private event, the menu at Layla is split between an a la carte offering and two banquet menus with optional drink pairings from a ‘Feed Me Feast’ for $90pp and $80 wine pairing, or a ‘Premium Feed Me Feast’ at $135pp and $95 beverage pairing.

Complementing the share-style menu, Layla’s cocktail list is also seasonal by design, highlighting a variety of native Queensland ingredients. Sommelier Darcy Curnow (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Delia Group) has curated a considered 150-bottle wine list that features local and international varietals from small batch makers, sustainable growers and traditional winemakers.

“Brisbane’s subtropical climate played a key role in shaping our wine selection at Layla. I wanted wines that would thrive in the city’s warmth—crisp whites, vibrant rosés, and elegant, lighter-bodied reds that could be enjoyed whether you’re sitting in the sun with a seafood dish or settling into a cozy dinner in the cooler months,” says Darcy.

Textural and zippy Sauvignon Blancs from Adelaide Hills and Marlborough feature beside mineral-driven, elegant Chardonnays from Margaret River and Burgundy. A variety of skin-contact whites, rosé, and amber wines from the likes of Cullen Wines and Lucky Cat add an extra layer of intrigue. Highly drinkable reds lighter in style sit alongside structured yet food-friendly wines such as Barossa Shiraz and Cahors Malbec.

Seating 90 between the main dining room, private dining room and outdoor courtyard, Layla will be available for private events and full venue buyouts. The culinary vision for Layla will also shape the food and drink offering across the Thomas Dixon Centre’s retail arm and catering packages including for the Centre’s Kite Terrace and Bar for functions of up to 120.

“We are honoured to provide a second home to Shane and his team as his first venture in Queensland, showcasing the very best of Brisbane’s arts, culture, and now exceptional dining with the opening of Layla,” says Lisa Summer-Hayes, Director of Customer Experience at Thomas Dixon Centre.

“We’ll be exploring spice in an inventive way, but we’re not here to educate people. At the end of the day Layla is about bringing people together around the table, sharing really tasty food and memorable experiences,” adds Shane Delia.

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Como Lane is OPEN! Euro-Style Café Opens in the Grounds of Melbourne’s Iconic Como House & Garden

The Scott Pickett Group and VenuesLive are delighted to announce the launch of Como Lane – a European-inspired café that has opened its doors in the grounds of Melbourne’s historic and beloved Como House & Garden.

Offering the same expertise and immersive atmosphere associated with Scott Pickett Group’s much loved Melbourne venues (Estelle, Smith St Bistro, Chancery Lane, Matilda and Longrain), Como Lane blends heritage with modern cafe culture, promising to hold a firm place in the hearts of locals and visitors for years to come.

Entered via grand iron gates on Como Avenue, South Yarra, the cafe is located in the middle of Como House’s expansive grounds, dating back to 1847 and owned and operated by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). European in look and feel and a charming extension of the rich heritage of the estate, Como Lane is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe that transports guests through a picturesque setting Como Lane is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe that transports guests through a picturesque setting.

“It’s an incredible honour to be opening a venue at Como House & Garden – such a unique part of Melbourne’s history and a cornerstone to the local South Yarra community,” says chef and restaurateur Scott Pickett.

“Como Lane is significant as our first full-service cafe from Scott Pickett Group; I’m excited to try something different. Our offering will be quality-driven while also welcoming. At the end of the day, it’s a cafe all about good food and community.”

Housed in the old gardeners’ sheds, the cafe is split between a cosy indoor setting and an expansive alfresco dining space, with a warm and inviting interior connecting to the rich garden surroundings.

“We’re thrilled to have Scott Pickett and his team bringing their expertise in hospitality and storytelling through food at Como Lane in what will be a charming cafe and an extension of the rich heritage of Como House & Garden,” says Collette Brennan, CEO of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Como Lane is an extension of the successful partnership between the National Trust and events and hospitality company VenuesLive in collaboration with the Scott Pickett Group. The café will operate in tandem with the Como House & Garden events program as a hub for private and community gatherings, cultural activities and workshops.

Flexible in offering between a market style grab-and-go concept to an all-day sit-down cafe experience, Como Lane’s food offering is focused on high-quality fresh produce sourced from local producers and the estate’s very own garden. It tells the story of Scott Pickett’s journey as a chef, drawing inspiration from some of his most well-known and loved dishes while embracing elevated and approachable cafe classics.

Starting the day with breakfast, menu highlights include buttermilk pancakes with stone fruit, whipped crème fraiche and lemon myrtle; chilli scrambled eggs with Longrain’s signature XO sauce, a classic take on shakshuka, and a breakfast bowl with soft boiled egg, cured salmon, avocado, pickles, seasonal greens and quinoa.

For lunch, a variety of fresh and toasted sandwiches are available for dining in and takeaway such as a fresh salad sandwich with ranch dressing; roast chicken, lettuce and tarragon mayonnaise; to toasted classics like croque monsieur and a tuna melt. Those dining in for lunch can choose from a handful of main dishes including a market fish with herb dressing; chicken schnitzel with celeriac and apple, horseradish and spiced butter sauce; Wagyu beef burger and fries; and a wild mushroom and goats cheese quiche with a salad of endive, bitter leaves and grapes. As a family-friendly venue, Como Lane also has a kid’s menu.

Complementing the menu, Como Lane’s drinks offering includes coffee from Merchant Coffee Roasters, hot chocolate, chai latte, tea, and a selection of cold pressed juices from Market Juice.

Como Lane’s ever evolving grab-and-go offering will also expand to operate as a boutique market and retail arm of the cafe, where customers can drop in for a takeaway coffee and pastry, purchase fresh flowers, and select from a variety of jams, preserves and food items made in-house and from local producers.

As a popular destination for weddings and functions, the venue also offers separate catering packages whether it’s a 20-person private lunch, garden party, or picnic hampers for those wanting something extra special and to take in the tranquil setting of Como House & Garden. With a generous footprint seating up to 60 both indoors and outdoors, the cafe is bookable for all sorts of private events from hens’ parties, to weddings, and garden parties.

Como Lane
20 Como Avenue
South Yarra, Melbourne
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 9am to 3pm
Sun: 10am to 3pm
Website: https://comolane.com.au/

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Tom’s Kitchen is OPEN . . . The Start of a New Culinary Chapter in Brisbane’s West End

The first customers streamed through the doors of Tom’s Kitchen shortly after the doors were opened to the new café in Brisbane’s West End on Monday (17 March).

Located within the Thomas Dixon Centre, Tom’s Kitchen is a vibrant all-day café offering a bold, produce-driven menu designed for both quick bites and leisurely brunches.

With a focus on local ingredients and seasonal flavours, the café caters to everyone—from dancers and creatives to West End locals, professionals, and precinct visitors.

Tom’s Kitchen is the first stage of a culinary transformation of the Thomas Dixon Centre – renowned as the Home of Queensland Ballet and the arts in Queensland.

Coming soon is the premium dining restaurant Layla, by celebrated chef Shane Delia.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Tom’s Kitchen as the first of two exciting new hospitality venues opening at the Thomas Dixon Centre this March,” said Lisa Summer-Hayes, Director of Customer Experience at Thomas Dixon Centre.

“Tom’s Kitchen is a place where people can connect over great coffee and fresh, approachable food, while the premium dining restaurant – launching later this month – will offer a more refined experience, bringing a different expression of culinary excellence to Brisbane.”

Partnering with hospitality heavyweights VenuesLive and celebrated chef Shane Delia, the Thomas Dixon Centre will transform with these two new culinary offerings onsite.

“We like to think of Tom’s Kitchen as a place that will fuel creativity, community and conversation,” said VenuesLive CEO Daryl Kerry.

“Tom’s Kitchen will bring people together at the Thomas Dixon Centre in the West End and highlight Brisbane’s love for great coffee, fresh produce and contemporary café culture.”

Fresh, Local, Legendary! The Tom’s Kitchen menu offers a dynamic selection, from specialty ST. ALi coffee and house-made grab-and-go meals to playful brunch favourites like The Forager – market mushrooms, nduja, salted ricotta, and a poached egg on sourdough; The TK Smash, a cheeseburger with smashed beef patties, provolone, pickles and house fries; and the Potato Hash Plate with smoked salmon and tomato béarnaise.

A commitment to sustainability and quality is at the heart of the café, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is thoughtfully crafted using Sprout Bakery’s artisanal breads, alongside a selection of premium local producers, ensuring every dish is flavourful, vibrant, and full of goodness.

With Tom’s Kitchen and the premium dining restaurant, Layla by Shane Delia, the Thomas Dixon Centre is now not only a cultural hub for the arts but also a must-visit food destination for Brisbane.

Tom’s Kitchen – Thomas Dixon Centre, West End, Brisbane.
Opening Hours: 6:30am to 4pm daily
Website: tomskitchen.com.au

VenuesLive and the Delia Group are also bringing Thomas Dixon Centre to life as a venue of choice for a variety of events, from corporate functions to private celebrations, offering a new function and events menu while showcasing the unique blend of architectural grandeur and boundless creativity on display in the Centre and Brisbane’s lively West End.

Looking for an amazing venue to host your next function or special event? Reach out to the team at Thomas Dixon Centre via [email protected]

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Tom’s Kitchen Opens March 12 – the Start of a New Culinary Chapter in Brisbane’s West End

The Thomas Dixon Centre is set to become one of Brisbane’s most exciting new culinary destinations with the opening of Tom’s Kitchen on Wednesday 12 March, followed by a premium dining restaurant later in the month.

Located within the home of Queensland Ballet, Tom’s Kitchen is a vibrant all-day café offering a bold, produce-driven menu designed for both quick bites and leisurely brunches. With a focus on local ingredients and seasonal flavours, the café caters to everyone—from dancers and creatives to West End locals, professionals, and precinct visitors.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Tom’s Kitchen as the first of two exciting new hospitality venues opening at the Thomas Dixon Centre this March,” said Lisa Summer-Hayes, Director of Customer Experience at Thomas Dixon Centre.

“Tom’s Kitchen is a place where people can connect over great coffee and fresh, approachable food, while the premium dining restaurant – launching later this month – will offer a more refined experience, bringing a different expression of culinary excellence to Brisbane.”

Partnering with hospitality heavyweights VenuesLive and celebrated chef Shane Delia, the Thomas Dixon Centre will transform with these two new culinary offerings onsite.

“We like to think of Tom’s Kitchen as a place that will fuel creativity, community and conversation,” said VenuesLive CEO Daryl Kerry.

“Tom’s Kitchen will bring people together at the Thomas Dixon Centre in the West End and highlight Brisbane’s love for great coffee, fresh produce and contemporary café culture.”
Fresh, Local, Legendary! The Tom’s Kitchen menu offers a dynamic selection, from specialty ST. ALi coffee and house-made grab-and-go meals to playful brunch favourites like The Forager – market mushrooms, nduja, salted ricotta, and a poached egg on sourdough; The TK Smash, a cheeseburger with smashed beef patties, provolone, pickles and house fries; and the Potato Hash Plate with smoked salmon and tomato béarnaise.

A commitment to sustainability and quality is at the heart of the café, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is thoughtfully crafted using Sprout Bakery’s artisanal breads, alongside a selection of premium local producers, ensuring every dish is flavourful, vibrant, and full of goodness.

With both Tom’s Kitchen and the upcoming premium dining restaurant, Layla by Shane Delia, the Thomas Dixon Centre is now not only a cultural hub for the arts but also a must-visit food destination for Brisbane.

OPENING DETAILS:
Tom’s Kitchen – Thomas Dixon Centre, West End, Brisbane
Opens Wednesday 12 March
Opening Hours: 6:30am to 4pm daily

For toms.kitchen information visit tomskitchen.com.au.

Follow Tom’s Kitchen on Instagram for updates!

For Layla restaurant information and bookings, go to laylabrisbane.com.au

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Shane Delia Reveals Opening Date of Brisbane Restaurant ‘Layla’

The highly anticipated first Queensland restaurant from acclaimed chef and restaurateur Shane Delia will open its doors this March in Brisbane’s emerging cultural precinct of West End.

The premium restaurant Layla will be based within the Thomas Dixon Centre, the renowned performing arts centre and home of Queensland Ballet. The addition of Layla will transform the Centre into a vibrant dining and events destination, blending arts, culture, and Brisbane’s continually ambitious culinary scene.

Layla will officially open on Friday 28 March, and bookings are now open for lunch and dinner via the website.

Layla marks the first venture north from Delia, bringing with him a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences embedded in an inventive approach to spice. Celebrated for his bold, Middle Eastern flavours, Delia’s unique culinary vision and dedication to quality have made his flagship restaurant Maha a fixture of Melbourne’s dining scene for the past 17 years, and extends to his other beloved Melbourne venues Maha North, Maha East, and Jayda.

“It has always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant in Brisbane. I’m super excited by the opportunity to contribute to the dining landscape here, taking guests through an unrestricted spice journey with Layla,” says Shane Delia.

“All of my venues have a Middle Eastern overlay, which will still be a part of Layla. Opening a restaurant in an entirely different climate, I’m excited to do something different and draw inspiration from other parts of the world, working with incredible fresh Queensland produce,” adds Shane.

Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Simon Palmer (Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s Bistro, E’cco Bistro), who is working closely with Shane Delia and his team on an immersive spice-forward menu celebrating a diverse mix of international influences, and drawing inspiration from the Middle East and the flavour rich, herbaceous and exotic subcontinent.

Split between a moody main dining room and a sunny outdoor courtyard, Layla will offer something for everyone, from private events to pre-theatre dining, date nights, and celebratory dinners. The culinary vision for Layla will also shape the food and drink offering across the Thomas Dixon Centre’s retail arm and catering packages.

Partnership

VenuesLive, in collaboration with The Delia Group, is the Hospitality Partner of Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane.

Premium restaurant Layla is an extension of the VenuesLive – The Delia Group culinary partnership.

Separately, a café has been established in the Thomas Dixon Centre. Called Tom’s Kitchen, the café features innovative menus in line with culinary trends while prioritising locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. A market section offers artisanal products, baked goods, chef-endorsed take home meals, and a high-end range of convenient grab-and-go items.

VenuesLive and The Delia Group will also bring Thomas Dixon Centre to life as a venue of choice for a variety of events, from corporate functions to private celebrations, through a new function and events menu offering, showcasing the unique blend of historical significance, architectural grandeur and boundless creativity at the Centre and through Brisbane’s lively West End.

Location & Bookings

Thomas Dixon Centre and Layla restaurant – Corner of Montague Road and Raven Street, West End, Brisbane

For Layla bookings – laylabrisbane.com.au

Instagram: @laylabrisbane

For events at Thomas Dixon Centre – [email protected]

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

New Executive Chef appointed at Optus Stadium

Optus Stadium operator VenuesLive has announced the appointment of Alasdair Thompson as the venue’s new Executive Chef – only the second person to hold the position since the stadium’s opening almost seven years ago.

Thompson was part of Optus Stadium’s original opening team, starting as Chef de Cuisine before becoming Executive Sous Chef in January 2020. Prior to joining the stadium, he was Head Chef at Crown Perth’s Italian fine dining restaurant Modo Mio and also trained under Alain Fabregues, of the nationally and internationally renowned classical French restaurant The Loose Box, in Mundaring.

Optus Stadium CEO Mike McKenna described Thompson as an integral part of the stadium’s success from the outset.

“Alasdair was part of the team charged with getting the stadium ready for opening, then creating our Meeting and Special Events (MASE) culinary offering from the ground up,” Mr McKenna said.

“His menu really established the quality and style of our MASE offering which has grown into a significant part of our business and has been recognised through numerous awards, both in Western Australia and nationally.

“Alasdair will build on the stadium’s already established strong kitchen culture and reputation for world-class dining and continue our focus on creating the freshest and best products in our kitchens, wherever we can, using locally sourced products.”

Thompson replaces long-time Optus Stadium Executive Chef Jochen Beranek and joins a strong team of chefs across the VenuesLive network.

Like culinary legends Marco Pierre White and Thomas Keller, Thompson’s philosophy is clear: flavour comes first.

“Food has to wow every time — be bold, exciting, and delicious,” says Thompson. “I love the balance of acidity, heat, and vibrancy in Asian cuisine. Its complexity inspires me to craft dishes that spark joy and keep people coming back for more.”

Thompson’s journey began not in the kitchen, but in a lab, studying molecular genetics. Realising he craved creativity and teamwork, he pivoted to the culinary world and never looked back.

The Perth-born father of three credits his mother for his love of cooking and his organisational skills.

“My mum’s love of experimenting with flavours and catering to everyone’s tastes shaped my approach to cooking. It’s all about making food that resonates with people.”

Thompson will also oversee HBF Park’s food and beverage services and corporate hospitality offerings which have been delivered at Perth’s renowned rectangular stadium by VenuesLive since July 2024.

Stepping into his new role, Thompson is ready to push boundaries and create unforgettable dining experiences for stadium guests. “This is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to share my passion with you all!”

About VenuesLive

VenuesLive has operated Optus Stadium on behalf of Venues West and the Western Australian Government since prior to its opening on January 21, 2018.

The company is a leading provider of management and hospitality services to venues and events and a recent Caterer of the Year in Australia (National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence, Nov 2023). VenuesLive was inducted into the Restaurant and Catering Institute of WA’s Hall of Fame and awarded the Prix d’Honneur after winning the prestigious Gold Plate for best venue corporate catering three years in a row.

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Expanding Excellence: The National Trust in Victoria Extends Partnership with VenuesLive and Scott Pickett Group

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is delighted to announce the exciting expansion of its successful partnership with VenuesLive and the Scott Pickett Group. Building on the remarkable success at the Old Melbourne Gaol, this partnership now encompasses catering for two additional iconic heritage venues – Como House and Labassa Mansion – and includes plans to open a new café at Como House & Garden in 2025.

This expansion reflects the outstanding results achieved since the collaboration began. Combining the culinary creativity of Scott Pickett, one of Australia’s leading chefs, with VenuesLive’s award-winning event expertise, the partnership continues to deliver premium hospitality experiences while celebrating Victoria’s rich heritage.

Scott Pickett shared his enthusiasm for this next chapter: “Expanding our work with the National Trust is incredibly exciting. From the design elegance of Como House to the grandeur of Labassa Mansion, we’re thrilled to bring exceptional food and service to these iconic settings. At the café opening at Como in 2025, we’ll introduce a menu inspired by the gardens and the history of the estate. I’m particularly excited by the rich history to draw inspiration from . . . the ties to France from the ladies of Como House just make it seem like the perfect fit for me.”

VenuesLive has consistently raised the bar for event management, earning accolades such as Caterer of the Year in 2023. “This partnership is a testament to our shared vision with the National Trust: to enhance the guest experience at every level,” said VenuesLive CEO Daryl Kerry. “We’re honoured to extend our services to two more historic venues, ensuring every event becomes an unforgettable occasion.”

National Trust CEO Collette Brennan remarked, “This partnership has already redefined what’s possible for heritage venues like the Old Melbourne Gaol. By expanding the collaboration to Como House and Labassa Mansion, we’re not just offering world-class hospitality; we’re enhancing the way these places tell their stories. Our event partners play a vital role in inviting current and new audiences to discover the richness of Victoria’s heritage, showcasing how these places enrich community experiences and bring people together.”

The National Trust’s commitment to enlivening heritage places ensures these iconic venues remain accessible, vibrant, and meaningful to all Victorians. The café opening at Como House & Garden in 2025 will be another step in this journey, creating a welcoming space for visitors to connect with the beauty and history of the estate.

This expanded partnership underscores the National Trust’s enduring role in preserving and sharing Victoria’s diverse heritage, ensuring it continues to inspire and engage future generations.

 

About National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) (NTAV) is the State’s premier community-based heritage advocacy organisation. It actively works to protect and conserve places of heritage significance for future generations to enjoy.

The NTAV opens some of Australia’s most culturally significant places to the public. With regular tours, events and exhibitions at iconic sites including the Old Melbourne Gaol, Rippon Lea Estate, Como House, Polly Woodside, Barwon Park, and Gulf Station. The NTAV brings history to life through vivid storytelling and immersive visitor experiences.

 

About VenuesLive & Scott Pickett Group

VenuesLive is a leading provider of management and hospitality services to venues and events, and a past Caterer of the Year in Australia (National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence, Nov 2023).

Scott Pickett is one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs, and the Scott Pickett Group hosted more than 32,000 event patrons across nine Victorian venues in 2023.

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Celebrity Chef Shane Delia starts building his team for signature restaurant as VenuesLive opens bookings for Functions and Events at Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre

Celebrity chef Shane Delia has made a passionate callout for hospitality professionals to join his team at the new-look Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s West End – the site of his first signature restaurant in Queensland.

The Thomas Dixon Centre is being transformed into a vibrant destination for dining, functions and events . . . blending arts, culture and the best of Brisbane’s culinary scene.

Chef Delia – celebrated for his bold, globally inspired flavours and entrepreneurial spirit and the owner of acclaimed Melbourne restaurants Maha, Maha East, Maha North, and Jayda, as well as Biggie Smalls outlets in Melbourne and Perth – will launch a yet-to-be-named restaurant at the Centre in early 2025.

“This is a callout to all hospitality professionals in Brisbane. I need YOU to get behind me to create some of the most exciting Middle Eastern Food Brisbane has ever seen,” Shane said today.

“You may have heard, I am opening my first signature restaurant in Brisbane in collaboration with VenuesLive and the Queensland Ballet at the amazing Thomas Dixon Centre.

“If you are a passionate chef, waiter, sommelier, bar person or hospitality professional, and want to join me and my team in Brisbane, click the link and send me your resume and I can’t wait to meet you.”

Chef Delia’s new restaurant will feature an evolving menu inspired by global flavours, taking guests on an “unrestricted spice journey.”

Initially, Chef Delia and VenuesLive are interviewing for the following key roles:

VenuesLive today announced that the Thomas Dixon Centre, Home of Queensland Ballet, is NOW OPEN for function and event bookings.

“Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event or special celebration, we’re here to bring your vision to life at this iconic venue,” said VL’s Head of Brand & Experience, Paula Benmayor.

“With stunning views, luxurious decor and menus designed by celebrated chef Shane Delia, your event will be nothing short of spectacular.”

Get in touch today to start planning your event at Thomas Dixon Centre.

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

Celebrity Chef Shane Delia to Open Signature Restaurant at Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre

Renowned Australian chef, restaurateur, and television personality Shane Delia will launch a signature restaurant at the Thomas Dixon Centre in early 2025, heralding an exciting new chapter for the cultural hub in West End.

Partnering with VenuesLive, Queensland Ballet’s hospitality partner, and Delia Group, the Centre will transform into a vibrant dining and event destination, blending arts, culture, and Brisbane’s culinary scene.

Shane Delia is celebrated for his bold, globally inspired flavours and entrepreneurial spirit. He owns acclaimed Melbourne restaurants Maha, Maha East, Maha North, and Jayda, as well as Biggie Smalls outlets in Melbourne and Perth. Known for his media presence, Delia has hosted award-winning television series including Spice Journey and Middle East Feast, which explore the beauty and mystique of Middle Eastern cuisine.

“Creating a signature restaurant at the Thomas Dixon Centre is an incredible opportunity,” said Delia.

“I look forward to bringing my passion for bold flavours, rich spices, and diverse culinary traditions to Brisbane, crafting an experience that complements Queensland Ballet’s artistic excellence.”

The new restaurant will feature an evolving menu inspired by global flavours, taking guests on an “unrestricted spice journey.”

Beyond this, the Centre will also introduce a café offering artisanal products, grab-and-go options, and locally sourced menus, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Queensland Ballet Chair Brett Clark said, “Shane Delia’s culinary vision will help us realise our goal of making the Thomas Dixon Centre a cultural, lifestyle, and foodie destination. It’s about creating memorable experiences that bring people together.”

VenuesLive CEO Daryl Kerry added, “With Shane’s world-class expertise, we aim to elevate the Thomas Dixon Centre into a premier cultural and culinary destination, offering unforgettable dining and event experiences.”

Over coming weeks, the historic Old Bunker will be brought to life with the culinary fit-out, featuring commercial kitchen, restaurant, bar and café, to honour the heritage and initial vision of these spaces.

Tony Sukkar AM, Managing Director of Buildcorp, said: “We’re honoured to partner with Queensland Ballet to deliver the final food and beverage spaces at the recently redeveloped Thomas Dixon Centre. Over the past 30 years, we’ve taken great pride in supporting the growth of arts and sports, creating meaningful impacts in both these sectors. We look forward to applying our extensive hospitality experience into a magnificent facility, continuing the Thomas Dixon Centre’s legacy in collaboration with Conrad Gargett and our project partners.”

The Thomas Dixon Centre, a state-of-the-art performing arts precinct, features a 350-seat theatre, rooftop terrace with city views, dance studios, and function spaces. It promises to become Brisbane’s newest hub for arts, culture, and exceptional dining.

Watch this space for news about the restaurant launch at Brisbane’s Thomas Dixon Centre in the New Year!

VenuesLive
VenuesLive

VenuesLive Appointed Hospitality Partner at Thomas Dixon Centre, Home of Queensland Ballet

Media Release – Friday 11 October

Thomas Dixon Centre, home of Queensland Ballet, the Van Norton Li Community Health Institute and Ausdance Queensland, and a place for all to come and stay a while, is excited to announce VenuesLive as its new hospitality partner, ready to create an exciting new dining, function and event destination in Brisbane.

This dynamic partnership promises to transform the hospitality and event experiences at one of Queensland’s most exciting new venues.

Managing Director Daryl Kerry said VenuesLive was committed to delivering world-class culinary experiences in Thomas Dixon Centre’s unique and amazing dining and event settings.

“Our vision is to curate immersive experiences across all spaces, elevating the overall ambiance and creating lasting memories for all who visit.”

VenuesLive will partner with a celebrated Australian chef to create a stunning new restaurant experience for Brisbane that will be a beacon of sophistication and culinary excellence.

The Centre’s café will feature innovative menus in line with culinary trends while prioritising locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, a market section will offer artisanal products, baked goods, chef-endorsed take home meals, and a high-end range of convenient grab-and-go items.

VenuesLive will also bring Thomas Dixon Centre to life as a venue of choice for a variety of events, from corporate functions to private celebrations, through a new function and events menu offering, showcasing the unique blend of historical significance, architectural grandeur and boundless creativity at the Centre and through Brisbane’s lively West End.

“Our approach very much focuses on customisation and collaboration to suit our clients’ specific needs and preferences. But the creative foundations of Thomas Dixon Centre, with its spectacular rooftop terrace with city views, a dramatic theatre and unique event spaces gives us the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences along with culinary excellence,” Mr Kerry added.

Queensland Ballet Chair Brett Clark said the partnership will enable Thomas Dixon Centre to be activated as a cultural, lifestyle and foodie destination, offering a distinct and memorable experience, whether it’s a pre-theatre dinner, corporate function, or simply a great cup of coffee.

“When we designed Thomas Dixon Centre, we placed people at its core. Yes, our artists and arts workers but also others who might be interested in a living, breathing home where creativity thrives,” he said.

“We dreamed of some sneak-peak elements to lift the curtain of mystery without ruining the magic. From the Ian Potter Promenade, you can look into the Costume workroom. From the Catwalk, you can look into the studios and from the Executive Gallery, you have the most unique perspective of the Talbot Theatre. And then, of course, the Kite Terrace looks out onto Brisbane with beautiful city views from a unique West End perspective.

“In the arts, we’re all about connecting with emotion and experience. Welcoming VenuesLive now means that we can deepen that experience within our own home. This immersive experience is what we hoped to be able to provide for as many people as possible.”

A building that started its life as a shoe factory in 1908, the Thomas Dixon Centre has been transformed into a world-class performing arts destination and cultural precinct flowing with creative energy. It features a state-of-the-art 350-seat theatre, rooftop terrace, stunning public art and multiple function spaces, as well as dance studios, a wardrobe workshop and arts’ workers spaces.

Queensland Ballet recently became the first performing arts organisation in the world to become WELL Certified™ at the Platinum level, for its home the Thomas Dixon Centre.

“WELL is an evidence-based, performance certification system that marries best practices in design and construction with policy and operational strategies. It’s one of the reasons so many operators were interested in working in this space,” Mr Clark said.

VenuesLive, renowned for managing and delivering world-class hospitality and event experiences, brings a wealth of expertise to this new partnership. Awarded the prestigious title of Caterer of the Year at the National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence in November 2023, VenuesLive’s commitment to excellence and innovation will ensure that every hospitality experience and occasion at Thomas Dixon Centre will be executed with the highest level of professionalism and creativity.

“We are absolutely committed to embedding a sense of community into our operation, working closely with the team at Thomas Dixon Centre and local suppliers to showcase the very best that Queensland has to offer, both from a culinary perspective and through the arts,” Mr Kerry said.

“By fostering collaborations and supporting local initiatives, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and creativity.”

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