The Fox Hotel - Brisbane

Turns out my work function wasn't in The Fox Hotel's main bar, but upstairs at Dandy's Rooftop Bar. The lift was out, so my colleagues and I trudged up the four (or five?) flights of stairs. About halfway up I remembered that the last time I was here I whacked my head coming down the stairs- I'm 6'2", so if you are 188 cm or taller be warned. The best part about Dandy's Rooftop Bar are the sweeping views of the city. We were fortunate to have five large tables reserved, which boasted the best views in the house. Efficient bartenders turned out beer, wine, bubbles and spirits at average prices. My only complaint is the fact that all beverages are served in plastic. The pint glasses were actually pretty good quality, but there were several complaints from my female colleagues who were drinking wine and champagne from plastic glasses and flutes. I understand the reasons for going with plastic, but it cheapens the experience. We pre-ordered quite a bit of catering, but the quality and taste was a bit disappointing. The Arancini Balls were like molten lava, but had very little flavor and inconsistent texture - these rated 2. The Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls were ok and rated 3. The Cauliflower and Cranberry was bland, but probably the best dish on offer and also rated 3. The drinks rate a 3, the food 2.5, but the view is a 4. Better to come here with a group.

Turns out my work function wasn't in The Fox Hotel's main bar, but upstairs at Dandy's Rooftop Bar. The lift was out, so my colleagues and I trudged up the four (or five?) flights of stairs. About halfway up I remembered that the last time I was here I whacked my head coming down the stairs- I'm 6'2", so if you are 188 cm or taller be warned. The best part about Dandy's Rooftop Bar are the sweeping views of the city. We were fortunate to have five large tables reserved, which boasted the best views in the house. Efficient bartenders turned out beer, wine, bubbles and spirits at average prices. My only complaint is the fact that all beverages are served in plastic. The pint glasses were actually pretty good quality, but there were several complaints from my female colleagues who were drinking wine and champagne from plastic glasses and flutes. I understand the reasons for going with plastic, but it cheapens the experience. We pre-ordered quite a bit... read more

Limited food and drink menu options. Staff who appear to hate their jobs and enjoy sending patrons up and down the stairs for cocktails instead of advising to walk around the corner. And not mentioning a lift exists. Poor form. This could be a great gem but it really missed the mark.

A really good place for functions, with a great range of drinks, amazing view and the food you get as part of the package are of good value and really really tasty.

I've been to The Fox Hotel a few times over the years and have witnessed some truly bizarre things here, including an attempted robbery that ended very poorly for the would-be criminal. Thus, I wasn't thrilled when I learned that my office was holding an end of financial year event there last Friday evening. Beer in hand and some good live music helped to improve my disposition and I was able to appreciate the fact that the 2013 refurbishments are still looking good. The fact that they are under new management probably helps. As it turns out, my function was upstairs, so I headed up after the one beer.