Sometimes the binary rating system of HOT or NOT really puts me in a pickle; there’s no half way mark which really does my head in… but if there was, I’d probably put Jost 154 in the kinda-hot bucket. These guys still have their training wheels on, so I need the Kinda prefix to this otherwise HOT establishment.
MM and I were invited to attend a friend’s surprise 35th Birthday party on a Saturday evening to be held at Jost 154. We had never seen or heard of the place, but being in West End we assumed it would be a funky, pokey little bar. Oops. Good thing we wore our fancy shoes! Jost 154 is located below one of the new office blocks in Melbourne Street, teetering between South Brisbane and West End. The floor to ceiling glass frontage makes for an impressive entry way and from there you are confronted by a very long L-shaped timber and stainless steel bar with funky pod chairs and bar stools. Towards the rear of the venue is an elevated platform area which on this occasion housed the dining tables. I suspect our private function threw their usual dining layout into disarray, but nonetheless the décor worked well.
The bar staff were friendly, however, a little clumsy with their service. They didn’t have a good grasp of their wine list and were a little slow – I’m certain that once they have a few runs under their belts and tweak their processes a little this will change for the better. The canapés were ample and flavoursome and delivered with a smile. I don’t know how the chefs cram so much flavour into such tiny little shells of pastry, but they did it and they did it well. The tasty canapes included caramelized onion with warm goats cheese, beef bourguignon, smoked salmon and crème fraiche and mushroom risotto arancini balls.
Jost 154 is located in a perfect position to cater for the corporate types that flood this area for lunch, so I suspect they’ll do well. They also do breakfast and takeaway coffee and pastries for the morning rush. The décor is modern and funky and it provides a fresh vibe as soon as you walk in. I can’t comment on their dining menus or prices, but if you’re looking for a venue to hold a private party I would recommend Jost 154, it’s kinda-hot.
- Jost 154 , 154 Melbourne St South Brisbane +61 7 3846 1154
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