Brisbane, 15 June 2023 – W Brisbane’s new signature restaurant, The Lex, has officially opened its doors within the city’s leading luxury lifestyle hotel.

Inspired by the place where W Hotels was born, The Lex channels the welcoming hospitality and captivating energy of New York City, infusing this with the unique flavours and characteristics that define Brisbane.

Ideally located overlooking the iconic Brisbane River, The Lex features terrace style dining creating an airy, open feel that connects diners to the outside while creating a dynamic internal space within. Designed by Nic Graham, also the original designer behind W Brisbane, The Lex is a nod to the heritage Queenslander look through classic paneled walls, made modern with sophisticated colours and contemporary accessories. Burgundy and olive shades prevail – representing the colours of the natural ingredients worked with in the kitchen and the charred wood and embers of the open fire.

As they enter the restaurant, diners’ eyes will be drawn to a large open kitchen with separate entrée, dessert and cooking stations where they can watch the talented chefs in action. The star within the open kitchen is a New-York inspired grill that draws the menu together and pays homage to time-honoured traditions that allow the natural flavours of produce to shine through. Techniques of dry-aging, smoking, roasting and grilling – which allow for the preservation of natural flavours and bring out the best tastes from fresh produce - are on show.  

The seasonally changing menu, curated by Chef De Cuisine Pawel Klodowski, champions authentic South East Queensland produce and brings diners closer to a healthy and sustainable farm-to-table concept.

“We are lucky to have such an abundance of seasonal produce at our doorstep here in Queensland, from North Queensland Champagne Lobster to Native Citrus. We work closely with our producers to ensure that our ingredients are fresh and sourced locally”, said Pawel Klodowski, Chef De Cuisine, The Lex.

“We work with the best local suppliers as it benefits the environment, supports the local economy and individual farmers, grocers and communities. And, of course, it reflects on the quality of our dishes which have a fuller and more distinct taste as a result”.

The dishes at The Lex are innovative and exciting interpretations of beloved experiences – with playful touches and care injected into familiar favourites to give them an original, signature flair. 

To kickstart the day, diners can enjoy a la carte or buffet style breakfast. A must-try is the Bagel Bar, where guests can opt for a non-traditional option with a personalized bagel with their choice of toppings – from smoked salmon or chicken to grilled halloumi, cream cheese, baby spinach, capers, salsa verde and more.

An à la carte lunch and dinner menu gives diners the option to sample a variety of small dishes and shareable plates like Charcoal éclairs with grilled Mooloolaba prawns, chilli and celeriac remoulade or Fremantle octopus hot dog with gochujang, spring onion and fresh apple.

Entrees are infused by the grill, with flavours like Smoked maple and bourbon pork belly with pear, watercress and radish and North Queensland grilled champagne lobster with ayruga and lemon beurre blanc.

Designed to be shared, the standout Dry-aged MB3 Tomahawk Steak is perfect served alongside snack plates of Roasted heirloom carrots with hot chilli, honey and macadamia feta or Traditional mac and cheese.

For diners craving a touch of the theatric, one can’t go past the timeless tableside Caesar salad – served up by The Lex wait staff on a roving trolley wheeled directly to the table for a fresh Caesar tossed on demand. The refreshing take on a well-loved classic is true to the character of The Lex and the perfect enhancement to a hearty grilled meat or seafood dish.

The Lex is also bringing back old-school cocktail service for group bookings – with a signature twist. In-house mixologists will be serving up champagne cocktails tableside on a cocktail cart for an added touch of flair to signature drinks orders. The Lex Spritz, made with featured Queensland gin and kaffir leaf syrup and a choice of champagne, will be stirred up tableside – bringing the fun and the finesse of a cocktail order right to the table. Guests can choose from a rotating offering of H. Lanvin & Fils Cuvée Brut, Palmer & Co Brut Reserve or Veuve Clicquot Brut to pair with their champagne cocktail. To start, Bridge 40, a cocktail inspired by Brisbane Story Bridge built in 1840 (served with Brisbane Gin, The Lex Housemade Limoncello, champagne) or a classic Royal Bellini (peach, verjus, champagne) will be available, after which the tableside cocktail list will rotate regularly.

The extensive beverage list at The Lex will change bi-annually and features Queensland spirits and craft breweries. The cocktail list is a journey through Queensland destinations, showcasing local produce such as sustainable vodka distilled by Summerland Camel Farm from Harrisville. A magnum wine program will allow guests to experience exciting drops by the glass from small grower champagne to world renowned Aussie wine labels, available by the glass on Thursdays.

The reverence for produce and sustainable practices resonates through the drinks offering at The Lex, where the cocktail list will minimize waste through the use of simple garnishes and innovative use of ingredients. The Powerhouse cocktail, for example, utilizes every component of the avocado; the husk and fruit are infused and strained, the remaining liquid goes into the cocktail, the fruit is turned into a cracker as a garnish, and the pit is turned into bitters.

The Lex will house two semi-private dining spaces, seating groups of 25 people and up to 70 people. Curated two to four course menus will be on offer for small groups allowing them to experience a chefs selection of the best of The Lex. Larger groups will be able to book out the restaurant as a private space and see it come to live with live chef stations serving up grilled meats and fresh produce, separate desserts stations, and roaming canapés, all against the backdrop of sweeping views over the Brisbane River.

“We look forward to hosting our first guests and groups at The Lex and delighting them with the offering we’ve worked so hard to curate. We can’t wait to bring to life a unique line up of events at The Lex in our first calendar year with culinary programming over Riverfire, the festive season, and other key holidays in our signature playful style”, says Cedric Rinaldo, Restaurant Manager, The Lex.

To celebrate the launch of the Lex, W Brisbane is offering a Ignite Your Senses package offering guests overnight accommodation with valet parking, breakfast for two at The Lex and a $100 dining credit to enjoy at the new restaurant. From $549 per night. Available on stays from 15th June until 31st October. Bookings via https://www.marriott.com/offers/ignite-your-senses-off-79702/bnewh-w-brisbane

For more please visit www.thelexbrisbane.com and follow us on socials at @thelexbrisbane  

***ENDS*** 

For media enquiries please contact:

Nicole Ballantyne, The Mint Partners |nicoleb@themintpartners.com.au | 0450 125 498

About W Brisbane 

The first five-star hotel to open in Brisbane City in 20 years, W Brisbane marked the re-entry of the iconic W brand back into Australia when it opened its doors mid-2018. Located at 81 North Quay along the banks of the Brisbane River, the hotel offers distinct views across the River to South Bank and Mount Coot-tha. W Brisbane brings clean maximalism and immersive luxury to the western end of the CBD, with 312 spacious guestrooms and 32 suites all boasting the signature W comforts. The hotel’s happening bars and restaurants create a thriving local scene. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at AWAY Spa with an extensive treatment menu and access to vitality pools, and state of the art FIT Gym. 1,100 square metres of event space, including a 595 square metre sprawling Great Room, offers a fully adaptable setting for meetings and events. W Brisbane presents a curated and luxurious experience which has made it a destination in itself. wbrisbane.com