Gourmet takeaway, pre made meals and a new sandwich concept have helped Brad and Angelica Jolly's Modern Australian restaurant Alchemy continue to connect with their guests during lockdown.
Located in a stunning position on the Brisbane River, Alchemy Restaurant and Bar is an unique Australian dining experience, offering relaxed elegance, spectacular views and exquisite cuisine by chef Brad Jolly, one of Australia’s leading chefs.
Source: Alchemy
Since COVID-19 measures began, Alchemy has pivoted their business to offer premium cuisine, such as Brad’s famous beef cheeks, for takeaway. In coming weeks Alchemy will launch a new gourmet sandwich concept as well as offer Alchemy To You pre made meals via Peter Augustus Craft Butchers.
WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Alchemy’s Angelica Jolly about the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions and the changes they have implemented to continue to offer their high end meals.
How quickly were you able to implement a change to take away?
As Alchemy is predominantly a corporate venue, we felt the impact of the virus back in early February, after cancellation of a bankers’ convention from Hong Kong. They had hired the restaurant for a few days. At this point I knew I would need to act fast as this would eventually affect Australia. I also have family in Italy, being in communication with them told me that it was going to get worse.
We’ve found most guests want to get out for a walk and are happy to come and pick up food.
How has your menu changed, have you added new dishes?
We decided to provide our signature dish, Brad’s famous beef cheeks, at half the price. Our supplier has been really kind to us and reduced the price of them, however most other items are just menu items that we felt were suitable for takeaway transport and amazing in flavour.
We will launch a new gourmet sandwich concept in the coming weeks, along with teaming up with another well known business to bring Alchemy To you pre made meals at one of Brisbane's most amazing butchers, Peter Augustus Craft Butchers.
Alchemy's gnocchi bar is available for takeaway, alla Bolognese, with Blue Cheese, or with Pork and Fennel Sausage, White Wine, Cream and Truffle Tapenade. Source: Alchemy
What are the favourite/most popular dishes?
Currently the beef cheeks still rank number one, but I’m having some great feedback about Brad’s lemon pepper chicken. To the point that one guest just keeps ordering it about 3 times a week. She’s named it Olga’s lemon chicken.
Where are most of your orders from?
Brad and I are so lucky, we have a strong connection to this area of the CBD. We lived at Admiralty Towers II for 8 years, then The Hudson for 1, we opened our first restaurant Lat 27 on the corner of Macrossan and Adelaide St, just up the road from Alchemy in the same neighbourhood as our apartment. Because of this we feel so strongly connected to this area and our diners and neighbours are so strongly connected to us.
The support that we’ve had from all the towers around us, from Aurora to Riparian, Admiralty, River Place, it’s incredible. We even had a very special guest that we’ve known since Lat 27 buy us a gift to say thank you for staying open. We feel so blessed to have amazing neighbours.
Are you excited to open for dine-in again and be able to interact with customers?
To be honest, I’ve enjoyed the takeaway. It’s been great connecting with everyone around Alchemy. We can’t believe the amount of support that we’ve had from our local community. It’s really touched our hearts. To the point that we are changing our menu and I’ve had some of our regular clients that live in the surrounding area ask if they can drop off flyers for us. I couldn’t ask for more support from my locals.
Am I excited about opening our doors? Yes! The restaurant feels like it has no heart beat without guests sitting in it. It really is an animal of its own - without the customers we have no heart.
Were you able to retain your staff?
At first we had to stand down our staff. With takeaway, Brad and I were able to continue keeping the doors open and having our business stay in the for front of our customers minds.
We are lucky to have 6 staff back on our books with Job keeper and be able to afford to bring in another 2 international staff, albeit not on full time. If we continue to get the great support that we are getting, we are hoping to bring back one more chef and a few casuals by the end of next week.
Alchemy's lemon risotto with seafood. Source: Alchemy
How are your bookings tracking as restrictions begin to ease?
Currently I’m trying to keep up with emails and bookings. I’ve had that many guests trying to book it’s crazy. We are currently full until June. I’ve already booked Christmas and Melbourne Cup events as well. I think guests realise quality will always be around and now you need to book in fast. We aren’t a fad, but we are the most consistent, quality, dependable restaurant with the best views in Brisbane.
What are the plans for next stage of restrictions being lifted?
We plan to go with whatever advice the government provides us. We have learnt a lot from this situation. One lesson is to never let a hurdle keep you down.
Alchemy Restaurant is located at 175 Eagle St Brisbane City. To arrange takeaway or make a booking, phone or email using the contact details below.
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