What a surprise I got to see the transformation of Shangri La Reception Lounge. This has been an…read moreiconic function centre in the bayside area for over five decades, with many a wedding, birthday and school formal celebrated there. I knew the facade had changed and it had undergone a makeover, but imagine my surprise when I discovered the new restaurant there had really good a la carte food, like pale ale battered wild barra and cajun kangaroo steak - right here in Wynnum! So the old function centre is now a gorgeous reception and function area with three huge spaces including a ballroom, and has a 40 room hotel wing as well, but the biggest surprise of all was seeing the tasteful formal garden to the rear, completely hidden by the front sections of the complex, and perfect for weddings, or my friend's daughter's senior formal, as was the case here. I'm booking in for dinner.

From the owner: Shangri La Gardens -- part of the Clem Jones Group -- is located in the Brisbane bayside suburb of…read moreWynnum West. The function and reception centre at Shangri La Gardens has been a Brisbane landmark since the early 1960's and caters for a wide variety of events -- conferences and corporate meetings of all sizes, private parties, family and community celebrations, wedding receptions, and more. The Shangri La Gardens team is made up of loyal, local, and long-serving employees who can assist you in organising your event. Many couples who held their wedding receptions at the venue have returned to mark their silver, golden, and even diamond anniversaries. The children of some of those couples have also celebrated their marriage at Shangri La Gardens. Since 2006 the centre has included a 41-room four-star motel, and Sylvia's Restaurant and Wine Bar, named to honour Sylvia Ada Jones (nee Murphy), the wife of former Brisbane Lord Mayor, Dr Clem Jones (1918-2007).

This pub is great. I actually remember coming down here years ago, namely because I wanted to see…read morewhat Manly in Queensland was like (short answer being - not the same). Anyway, I decided to come back here again, even if just to refamiliarize myself with this pub, and it turned out that it was great. It certainly does try to appeal to a wide range of people, namely because of the selection of beers that are available on tap. In fact, this pub is actually pretty cool, with some really friendly staff, and of course they also have a lovely verandah area which gives you the option of some people watching as well. Yes, this is definitely a great pub.

The Manly Hotel has a bit of everything. It is laid out a bit like a maze, there seems to be room…read moreafter room, bar after bar. They have a gaming area, TAB, sports bar, dance floor and accommodation. I went with my partner and his mates when they were visiting from interstate. They really have everything in one place to make for an awesome night out. The NRL was on so of course we watched the game (yawn), then we moved to the bistro for dinner, then into another bar area for a few more drinks and lots of merriment. Except for me, who was driving them home. Even so, the atmosphere is fun and the food is pretty good too.