QHA-Review_July_digital

NEWS
THE SOUTHERN HOTEL’S NEW TERRACE VENUE
OFFERS A STYLISH OUTDOOR ALTERNATIVE
IT’S A CHILLY DAY UP ON THE RANGE BUT A ROARING FIRE IS KEEPING THE SOUTHERN HOTEL’S NEW TERRACE
ADDITION COSY AND CONVIVIAL.
QHA REVIEW | 18
The Terrace opened in October last year along
with fully upgraded toilet facilities and a renovated
sports bar at the beloved family-owned Toowoomba
establishment.
Owner of the Southern Hotel, Richard Bowly, said off
the back of Covid, he knew people were looking for
more outdoor area options with fresh air and plenty of
light.
“We wanted to create a space that would be warm in
winter, cool in summer and was really stylish.
“Our guiding principle for The Terrace was that it
would be attractive to and comfortable for our female
patrons.
“Our women customers are particularly discerning and
appreciative of details. So I told our interior designer,
Elena Harris, that I wanted it to be the kind of space
she would walk into and go ‘wow’,” he said.
Food is a key part of the ‘wow’ factor, and the bar is
serving 1500 meals a week – almost on par with the
restaurant.
“We have eight different nationalities working in our
kitchen, so we offer food that reflects that terrific
diversity including Indian, Vietnamese and Sri Lankan.
“If you can make an area work with food, then it’s
sustainable. People aren’t just coming for a drink,
they’re coming for a meal and to enjoy the outdoor
atmosphere,” Richard said.
Five big screens mean customers never miss their
favourite sporting events, and regular musical duos
and solo acts are popular. But on a winter’s afternoon,
the open fireplace is the biggest drawcard.
“Everyone loves the combination of outdoor ambience
and a roaring fire,” Richard said.
Richard Bowly is a long-time member of LMG, and
owns four Bottlemart shops along with the Southern
Hotel.
“LMG set the industry standard. They are incredibly
strong on merchandising and keeping up with retail
trends and very good at helping to make us profitable.
“The digital solutions they’ve implemented have made
a huge difference and I’m really excited about the
loyalty system LMG will be rolling out later this year,”
Richard said.
Visit The Terrace at The Southern Hotel, 839 Ruthven
Street, Kearneys Spring, Queensland.