Old buildings and new food – it’s an Ipswich thing

Did you know there are a number of restaurants housed in beautiful historic buildings in Ipswich?  If you love architecture, or have an interest in history they why not book in and visit one of these gorgeous foodie hot spots – book year round, or make your trip extra special and visit during the city’s Galvanized festival.

Bakehouse Steakhouse is located in a heritage building with over a century of stories. The building maintains and celebrates remnants of its past life as Haleys Bakery where its story began back in 1875.

As the first chapter of the building’s rich history, it set the foundation for what would emerge as the Bakehouse Steakhouse in the late 70’s. For decades, the restaurant became the place to be and was the setting for a generation of lifelong memories.  Today the restaurant welcomes you to join them and experience a unique steakhouse experience.

Step into the Ipswich Jets Leagues Club and you’re stepping into a piece of local history. Housed in a building that began as The Imperial Hotel in 1887 and transitioned to the Hotel Cecil in 1904, this heritage-listed site has been a cornerstone of community life for over a century. Officially becoming the Ipswich Jets in 1998, and earning its heritage listing in 1992, the club continues to be a vibrant gathering place where friends and families come together to enjoy delicious food and drinks.

In celebration of the Galvanized Festival of Heritage, the Ipswich Jets Leagues Club is proud to offer a special food and beverage selection that pays homage to its rich history. The featured cocktail, the Aviation, is a nod to pre-prohibition elegance. This stunning cocktail is a blend of gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, ready to take you for a sip down history lane.

For a hearty meal that echoes the sustenance once enjoyed by workers around the railway workshop, try their Workers Cottage Lamb Stew. This slow-braised winter lamb dish is cooked with Darling Downs root vegetables, garden peas, and served with their house-made beef lard damper. Priced at $22.90 for members, it’s a culinary tribute to the hearty meals that fuelled shift workers through their long days.

The authentic Indian restaurant, Indian Mehfil, occupies an old bank building dating back to the late 1800s. Dine inside this beautiful building or at tables in the leafy front courtyard area facing the lawns of d’Arcy Doyle Place and beyond it the historic St Paul’s Church. This is also a pleasant spot for one of the venue’s excellent cocktails.

While the hotel has been renovated, The Rosewood Hotel still retains its country charm.

It is over 100 years old, the first licence was issued in 1870, and there was a fire in 1912. It was rebuilt and now lovingly restored into a gorgeous place for breakfast on weekends, lunch, dinner and a drink.

The city of Ipswich, the second oldest in Queensland, is renowned for its natural and architectural heritage and history boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna, and an eclectic mix of cultures.

Heritage city gin, created by Imbibis Craft Distillery, perfectly reflects this rich diversity. The 17 botanicals were selected by Ipswich locals and Imbibis customers and range from locally sourced citrus and spice through to local bush ingredients. It is their interpretation of the heritage city of Ipswich in a bottle.

Set inside a charming Queenslander on Limestone Street sits The Cottage Restaurant built in 1861, an Ipswich establishment for delectable cuisine in distinctive surrounds. The heritage building, Darver Cottage, exudes the colonial charm factor for which Ipswich is known. 

Once a home, converted bedrooms now serve as thoughtfully appointed dining spaces giving a touch of seclusion warmed by fireplaces with extra room available out on a verandah, enjoyed most at dusk. During the day chef Mark Naoum and his wife Angela serve morning tea, lunch and high teas. At night come and experience intimate fine dining with candle lit tables.

Memories of India occupies the old Ulster Hotel, dating back to the late 1800s when patrons would arrive on Brisbane Street by horse and cart. Step inside today and the venue is imbued with the traditions of another land, with the tantalising aromas of Indian cuisine.

With a nod to the stunning heritage Jacarandas around the Heritage City, The Rusty Nail is mixing up a traditional Rusty Nail cocktail and a Jacaranda bloom cocktail and in the kitchen the chef is crafting a special dish with a heritage twist.

The Spicers Hidden Vale property has a long history, it was originally the stomping ground of Sidney Cotton, the real-life inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Secret Agent 007: Bond – James Bond. In 1900 Alfred Cotton purchased the property and named it Hidden Vale, Sidney was one of Alfred and Annie’s sons.

Back in 1999 it was purchased by Spicers founder Jude Turner. The homestead, surrounding cottages and managers’ residence was refurbished and over the years more cottages and cabins were added. Now the award-winning on-site restaurant, Homage, sits inside a new building as the Cotton family’s original 100-year-old homestead was destroyed by fire in 2018 – however the history of the property is showcased along its walls.

88 Limestone Street, commonly referred to as the “Pumpyard,” was Ipswich’s first source of water in the latter half of the 1800s. The site drew its water from a naturally occurring spring, renowned by the townsfolk for its freshness and sweetness.

In 1901, the Pumpyard became Queensland’s premier centre for technical education, until the technical college was abandoned in 2000. In 2013, Ipswich locals James and Tracey Long purchased the site, restoring the heritage buildings while integrating modern amenities. This restoration led to the creation of 4Hearts Brewery.

Stony Creek Brewing was established by the Anderson family in Townson in 2020. On 1 July 2024, Stony Creek Brewing acquired the 4Hearts facilities, continuing the craft brewing tradition.

Join them during the Galvanized Festival to explore “Homer,” their restored classic beer truck, participate in their Galvanized Beer Tours, sample their special Galvanized Ale, and enjoy exclusive festival meal deals and entertainment. Stony Creek welcome families, including kids and fur-kids!

Outside Monte Lane is a beautiful laneway surrounded by heritage architecture with cobblestone flooring.

Discover the charm of the laneway, a perfect mix of old and new. Nestled between heritage brick and refined weatherboarding, this space is the perfect spot for a long lunch or a vibrant celebration!

This beautiful restaurant is set inside the historical Woodlands of Marburg mansion, built by sugar baron Tommy L Smith in 1890.

Warm up with a drink in the lounge and imagine what life would have been like living like the Smiths. Then dine in style within the beautiful warm cedar lined walls, under the glistening chandeliers, while you are transported back to a time of elegance and sophistication.

The dining room happened to be the music room of the Smith family. Book dinner in The Sugarmill during Galvanized and receive a 10% discount on a night in the Bougainvillea House in an executive or deluxe suite.

Bougainvillea House was originally built by the Priest’s and Brothers of St Vincent’s Seminary in the 1940’s.

Rafter & Rose  – is a café sporting plants and old wares at every turn including down the old brick laneway its tables spill out to.

Fourthchild serves crowd-pleasing restaurant and café fare from an historic pub on Brisbane Street in the Top of Town, where you’ll also find Heisenberg Haus with its popular German menu and authentic German beers.

For more dining options around the region see our eat and drink section.