Brisbane Arcade

This would have to be one of the most beautifully preserved arcades in Brisbane. With it’s olden day atmosphere, you’d expect the shopping there to be a little but classier, a cut above the rif-​raf out on Queen Street, but I find it a bit pretentious, particularly the upper gallery. Looking in jewelery stores up there recently, I felt very alienated by icy shopkeepers. Also, there’s quite a few empty stores up there which makes me think businesses might struggle up there. Down the bottom is more lively, with a lovely tea shop, selling a large range of tea pots; jewelery stores; and bridal shops.
With the exception of the cheap and nasty accessory store, Colette, at the Queen Street entrance of the arcade, the shops in here require you to have money to spend (or at least pretend you have money to spend). Best not to rock up in your Havianas – it won’t help things with the already snooty shop keepers.

This is a very pretty looking arcade, probably the best in Queen Street Mall. It has that elegant, old style to it that is fun to walk through. It is lined with specialty shops that, yes, can be a little more expensive but for a day of indulgence or if you’re looking for something pretty as a gift (for you or someone else) then this is the place to start. I am always happy to watch the pretty lights and other shiny things here.
However, I do have a grudge with one particular shop. I shan’t name names but this particular shop made me feel so unwelcomed. I went in to look at the shirts and ties and as soon as I entered the two men working there gave me a strange look. We made eye contact and there was no «hello» or other greeting. I ignored that and started browsing and all through it the men kept glancing over at me as if I would’ve run off with something. I felt uncomfortable. I know this is a personal matter but I enjoy walking though here so it’s an annoying part of an otherwise lovely arcade.

I love this arcade, I wish every arcade in Brisbane was like this.
The architecture has a renaissance feel about it that makes you feel like you have just stepped into old European hotel lobby or opulent castle foyer. Its the sort of place most people probably go to look and admire rather than shop but in saying that it is home to some of Brisbane’s most awarded retailers especially if you are after jewelery or bridal wear.
If you are looking for a unique gift or something for the person who has everything this place is your treasure trove. I particularly love looking at all the beautiful time pieces in the Vintage watch shop and pens right next door.

This is reminds me a little of the iconic Strand Arcade in Sydney — but it’s smaller, less busy and more of a hidden, local treasure.
I love strolling through and admiring its understated opulence, while peering in the windows of the many and varied little shops it houses.
The Ground floor has got everything from Darrell Lea Chocolates, to Collette Accessories, Darb Bridal Couture, The Tea Centre, Wolford tights, and a cosy Expresso bar down the Adelaide St end.
I always enjoy having a poke around the jewellery, bag and scarves in Toscana. Today I was quite taken with a necklace made to look like an Edwardian-​style ruff. I couldn’t quite decide if it was cool or hideous, and at nearly $ 200 it was too expensive a piece to buy as an experiment.
I then caught the old-​fashioned lift upstairs (all green carpet and gold brass fittings) which opened out onto the absolutely darling Room With Roses café on the Upper Gallery.
The Upper Gallery also houses a raft of interesting retail experiences — from a shop selling vintage watches, to antique jewellery, a hairdresser, a dinky nail salon, and, if you’re having a v. bad hair day, you could always nip into Hatbox.
Yes, Brisbane Arcade is like a step back in time, but it’s still got a whole lot of loveliness a modern lady can lust after.

Stepping inside Brisbane Arcade is like a shopping trip back in time. I keep on slipping into a English accent and expecting to be handed floral hat boxes. This heritage listed building based off a 18^th century European shopping arcade is an architectural treasure trove of balustrades, engraved panelling and baroque-​style facades.
It is fitting that it is home to some award winning designers including Maiocchi, Emile De Jäger, Ashley Douglas and Kosta Gold and Diamonds Gallery.
While most of these shops are out of the price range of mere mortals like me, I do like to indulge in some window shopping here. Voyager Rare Books Maps and Prints is an interesting little shop tucked away on the gallery level. Also, Room With Roses is the perfect place to indulge in high tea.
The Brisbane Arcade can get lost inside the hustle of the Queen Street Mall. Look for its entrance on the Queen Street end by the Darrell Lea Chocolate Shop which stands at the corner.