Azteca: Potentia Solutions Leisure unveils new venue in the prestigious Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct
By BRANDVOICE
BRANDVOICE
Brisbane hospitality heavyweight Potentia Solutions Leisure has revealed ambitious plans for its newest culinary experience, promising to push Brisbane even further outside of its gastronomic comfort zone.
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s soon to open $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf precinct, Azteca features a Latin American-inspired menu with touches of Asian fusion, with an ambition to place Brisbane on the global epicurean map.
Located on The Terrace within The Star Brisbane entertainment hub, guests can expect full length water features in-built into the restaurant walls, mosaics, and Aztec artwork. The decor includes live greenery, custom-made brass tables, semi-private circular pods from floor to ceiling and hugging sofa chairs.
Ross Ledingham, the Founder and Managing Director of Potentia Solutions Leisure, said the exotic dark green 126-seat venue has been intricately designed with imported stones and hand-crafted wooden details. The space even features a 14-seat secret dining room decked out with opulent custom ceramics from Latin America.
Potentia Solutions Leisure is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in Australia’s culinary scene. The hospitality powerhouse group is renowned for launching innovative concepts, pushing the boundaries in ways not often seen in Australia, breaking the cookie-cutter mold when designing new luxury restaurants. In recent years, it has made a name for itself as a pioneer in Australia’s more approachable, yet upmarket, nightlife and dining scene.
Potentia’s dynamic hospitality portfolio includes no less than five unique and diverse concepts in Australia, having already sold three of its venues. It has gifted Brisbane with Lina Rooftop, which opened in late 2022, boasting a jaw-dropping beach club-style rooftop bar and poolside restaurant, as well as Soko Rooftop, a jungle-themed Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant in Fortitude Valley.
Having lived in the Middle East for 15 years, Ledingham is determined to bring unique flavours to Australia’s booming restaurant scene. “As leaders in concept creation and hospitality management, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver experience-driven destinations,” he says.
International appeal
Azteca is expected to appeal to international travellers seeking an upmarket experience as well as Brisbane locals. “From a food and cocktail perspective, Azteca will combine the best Latin-American heritage elements with Asian touches,” Ledingham says.
With the Queen’s Wharf precinct set to commence a staged opening starting August 2024, Azteca will feed off foot traffic through the Queen’s Wharf precinct. “With a large clientele across the PSL group already, the focus will be on creating a sophisticated dining experience for locals while also appealing to international travellers wanting to experience the premium elements of Brisbane,” he says.
Ledingham has secured gastronomic heavyweight Zachary Sykes as the culinary helmsman of the new Azteca kitchen. Sykes will lead a skilled team to serve from a stunning custom menu alongside a cocktail selection boasting spirits imported from Latin America to be paired with Asian spices and flavours. Of the appointment, Ledingham says: “Our paths have crossed many times, and the timing was right to secure him. We can’t wait to work with him.”
Sykes’ experience spans more than 30 years in some of Australia’s most iconic restaurants, working with restaurant greats, including Matt Moran, Jeremy Strode, Neil Perry, David Raynor and Greg Doyle. More recently, he opened Brisbane’s underground modern Japanese izakaya eatery, The Boom Boom Room.
Watch this space
With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality sector, Ledingham is far from done. He has a bold vision to bring a number of exciting new projects currently that he knows will enhance Australia’s lifestyle dining scene, with his eye currently on the Sydney hospitality market.
Ledingham knows Azteca isn’t like any other restaurant and bar out there. “This isn’t anything like your traditional restaurant. We don’t want Azteca to be a ‘one-on-every-corner’ format in this market.”
“With the opening date just around the corner, we’re honoured to be part of what is one of the most exciting projects Brisbane has ever seen, delivering a venue that will embody the same commitment to creativity and exceptional dining experiences that have made Lina and Soko beloved dining destinations,” Ledingham says.
“I’ve always aspired to bring different cultures and experiences to the places I live, and Brisbane is going through a rapid period of growth as it transforms into the city it is destined to become.”
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