Peasant at the Barracks: "Spanish Tapas and Wine" Brisbane Restaurant Tip by pedroswift

Looking for a dining experience a little different from our normal suburban Brisbane haunts, we rocked up to Peasant situated in Heritage Listed Victoria Barracks located in the western part of Brisbane CBD for mid-week dinner.
The promise of tapas and Spanish wine that would evoke memories of tapas bars we had enjoyed in Spain attracted us to this fairly new establishment.
First impressions are important.
The retro wall murals, slick looking wooden furnishings and lighting, a well stocked bar with good quality glass wear plus a stack of animated patrons obviously enjoying the food made for a very attractive ambience........ We were impressed.
Just as well we booked as the restaurant was soon full.
There is an indoor area with bench tables catering for big groups or couples willing to share table with others and a couple of outdoor or semi-outdoor areas set up with tables for two.
The menu features a half dozen or so nibbles such as spiced almonds, various olives, bread and oil/garlic, etc ($6-16). Tapas as promised; choice of twenty or so ($10-18) – Jambon plate for two $26. Shared plates ($25-34). Desserts all $12 – cheese selection $22.
There are shared plate daily specials eg. Monday Peasant Paella - $30.00 for two – on Friday: Catalan Seafood Stew, the famous dish from the Mediterranean, done the Peasant way.$45.00.
My only criticism, based onthe one experience, was that the shared plate (King Prawns) was more a one person serving than for two, considering the price.

The very congenial staff suggested that a starter, two or three tapas and a shared plate would be sufficient for two people.
The wine list is extensive and concentrates on Spanish wines supplemented by a lesser number of Portuguese and Argentinean wines. The carte is well presented. A decode of grape varieties and their characteristics is part of the list. There is a big range of styles and varieties. Bottles range from $ 28 to over $200 for the top drops. There is a choice of 3 or 4 of each type available by the glass ($9-14).
Opening Hours: 12pm-late Fri-Sat; 10am-5pm Sun; 6pm - late Tues - Sat.
Full disabled access. Parking available in an underground station part of the Barracks complex. First 2 hours for punters is free.

Favorite Dish: We enjoyed Spanish cava (sparkling) to freshen the palate before tucking into tapas including salted cod, mussels with chorizo, mushrooms w/ blackpudding.
We ordered the special of the day (Wednesday) – a shared plate of King Prawns. We drank red from Rojas by the glass.
The bill came to $130 including 10% tip. Service was good.
And Yes! Those memories of places in Salamanca etc were evoked.
We shall return to Peasant at the Barracks.

Address: No 4 , The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace Brisbane
Comparison: more expensive than average
Directions: Petrie Tce is one way.
Go west along Roma St - into Petrie Tce - then right at the set of lights outside the Barracks Complex - follow signs to ug parking.
approx. Lat & Long of entry point to complex: 27º27'54.20"S : 153º00'47.84"E.
othercontact: E: info@peasant.com.au
Phone: 07 3367 8066
Price: US$31-40
Rating: 5
Theme: Wine Bar/Wine Tasting
Website: http://www.peasant.com.au/home.html