Barcadia | A Bulimba Foodie Adventure

Author // Shannon Edwards, Place Bulimba

Lounged on the airy outdoor patio beneath the hanging greenery, craft beer in hand -  what better way to spend your afternoon than at Bulimba’s laidback local, Barcadia Bar & Kitchen.

If a breezy atmosphere isn’t your scene, then perhaps the polished inside industrial interior may take your fancy.

Polished concrete floors, exposed brick and a copper bar all matched with dark timber furniture creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a hearty share plate with friends.

Offering exclusive craft beers, Australian & International wines and cocktails, we sat down with the co-founder, Ben Pullen, who shared with us how Barcadia was born and his favourite dish on the menu.

How did you get into the restaurant business?

I was exposed to the hospitality industry from a young age - washing dishes and pouring drinks was my first job.

I’ve always had a massive love for good food and drink.

When the timing was right and the perfect location was available, it was time to start my new business venture.

It’s been extremely important to surround myself with knowledgeable, creative and passionate people to bring Barcadia to life.

What is the concept behind Barcadia?

My business partner and I wanted to build a place for locals to eat, drink and relax.

We have certainly ticked those boxes, attracting customers from all over Brisbane.

Right from the start, we wanted to bring customers from the outside in, capitalising on the wide deck overlooking Oxford street and memorial park.

For the inside of the building, we wanted to provide an airy open space with multiple seating options from bar tables to booths.

What do you enjoy about owning a business in Bulimba?

I’ve been lucky enough to live in Bulimba for a number of years.

When considering a location for Barcadia, Bulimba was an obvious choice.

Locals and visitors enjoy the area and there is so much to love about it - how could you not?  

Bulimba itself is an area where you can get as much out as you put in.

We love knowing local names and supporting local organisations like I CAN I WILL and Southside Eagles.

That support all comes right back to us and creates a strong community.

What are your favourites from the menu?

My favourites change all the time!

Right now it’s the ‘Avocado and Roasted Chickpea Bowl with pickled carrot, cranberry, feta and kale’.

For that dish I would recommend pairing with a Fortitude ‘Pacer’ or Green Beacon ‘Wayfarer’.

Our most popular dishes are our range of wings and slow-cooked brisket tortillas.

For those dishes most customers would reach for a beer (and there’s nothing wrong with that) but I would pair it with a glass of Mac Forbes ‘Spring Riesling’- it works perfectly with the spices in the dishes.

Bulimba seems to be going through a transformation at the moment, what do you see for the area in the future?

In the future, I see more venues opening up on Oxford Street.

This will be fantastic for existing businesses, locals and community growth.

I believe that as more people call Bulimba home, the area will become more diverse.

But fundamentally the suburb won’t lose its village and community feel because, at the end of the day, that’s what people love about Bulimba.