Factory 51

Factory 51 is an oasis of industrial cool – a bar, pizzeria and bistro in a century old back street factory not far from the old Myer Coorparoo site.

The historic red brick factory, which was most recently home to a laminex business, has been given a slick makeover whilst retaining its character, including steel girders and beams, the original exposed brick walls, concrete floors and a vintage piece of machinery just inside the door.

Out front is an openair courtyard with bar tables and BBQ tables whilst running along one side a gorgeous covered courtyard laneway festooned with greenery and fairy lights has plenty more eating. Or punters can choose to sit inside with a view on the open kitchen, green marble bar and the massive three tonne tiled pizza oven.

Open for a casual lunch – think burgers and thick cut chips, bolognese or salads – and a drink from the bar, Factory 51 hits its stride after 5pm, when the pizza oven fires up, as does the grill, the retractable roof opens to a starry sky and the full range of share plates and desserts are available.

Start the evening with Nibbles such as sweet potato fries, marinated Olives, House-made Bread and Dips or Toasted Almonds then To Share there’s baby Calamari, Pork Shoulder Meatballs, Charred Zucchini and Creamy Herbed Feta, Chilli Garlic Prawns or Baked Camembert Board.

Wood-fired pizza choices are between red based (think Margherita, Salami and Chilli, Leg Ham or Prawn) or white based (Pork and Fennel Sausage, Potato or 4 Cheese), while Salads include Wild leaf and Pecorino, Baby Leaf or Pear and Gorgonzola.

From the Grill there’s King Pork Cutlet, 250g Rump, 300g Marinated Lamb Skewers, Harissa-Basted Chicken Breast or Swordfish Steak, with Sides such as Thick Cut Chips, Cous Cous, Provolone Potato Gratin or Sweet Potato Mash.

And Desserts include House Tiramisu, Peanut Butter Ice-Cream Sandwich, Nutella Pizza or a selection of Home Made Ice-cream (from the Specials Board).

As well as some 10 or so local craft beers on tap, there’s plenty of bottled varieties and a good selection of Austraian and international wines by the glass or bottle.

Nice to know – Kids are welcome here too, with a special menu offering Rigatoni Pasta (tomato sugo, fresh basil, sage butter, Bolognese or Crumbed Chicken and Chips.

Need to know – Out back of Factory 51 is a giant super cool function space – The Workshop – with its own bar and media room.

The menu may have changed since this review