The Full Story
The Norman Hotel has been part of Woolloongabba for well over a century, evolving from a grand local hotel into one of Brisbane’s best-known steak destinations.
The story began in 1885, when Robert Heaslop purchased two parcels of land in Woolloongabba from Elizabeth Qualtrough, after whom nearby Qualtrough Street is named. Heaslop set out to build a substantial hotel on the site, investing £3,500 in the project and naming it after Sir Henry Norman, the newly appointed Governor of Queensland.
From 1896, Heaslop leased the hotel before selling it to brewing company Perkins & Co in 1900. Perkins & Co was an important name in Queensland brewing and would later become closely associated with the XXXX brand.
For much of the following century, the Norman remained relatively unchanged. That began to shift in the late 1980s, when the Cavill family purchased the hotel and adjoining land. The old stables and air raid shelters were removed, a beer garden and outdoor dining area were created, and in 1988 the now-famous steakhouse opened.
That transformation changed the course of the Norman. With the Cavill family’s experience in pubs and steak restaurants, the hotel quickly developed a reputation as a destination for great steaks, a relaxed atmosphere and a distinctly Queensland pub experience.
As that reputation grew, so did one of the Norman’s most recognisable calling cards — Brisbane’s Worst Vegetarian Restaurant. What began as a cheeky tagline became part of the identity of the venue and, over time, part of Brisbane hospitality folklore.
In 2009, the Norman faced one of the biggest challenges in its history when a fire broke out during a busy Friday lunch service. Thankfully, no staff or patrons were injured and the historic public bar escaped damage, but the restaurant was forced to close temporarily for restoration.
When the hotel reopened, everything people had come to know and love was still there — the steaks, the atmosphere and the character of the Norman — along with a new addition, Norman’s Bar.
In 2015, the Power family purchased the Norman Hotel. With a Queensland hospitality history stretching back to the 1930s, the family brought another generation of industry experience to the venue and continues to carry forward the traditions that have shaped the Norman over more than a century.
The hotel faced another major challenge in 2020, when Queensland restaurants and pubs were forced to close during the COVID-19 shutdowns. In response, the Norman launched Steak-Away BBQ Packs & Butchery, giving guests a way to enjoy the Norman at home while the restaurant was closed. When restrictions eased, the grill fires were lit again and the hotel welcomed guests back.
Today, the Norman remains proudly rooted in Woolloongabba, with the same focus on premium steaks, the open grill, generous hospitality and the atmosphere that has made it a Brisbane favourite.
And now, the story is growing again.
Norman Northside is set to open in Enoggera in May 2027, bringing the steaks, the grill and the spirit of the original Norman north of the river for the first time.
With another Norman on the way, even the famous tagline has evolved.
Brisbane’s Worst Vegetarian Restaurant has officially become Brisbane’s Worst Vegetarian Restaurants.
One little “S”. One very big next chapter.
