The Weekend Edition x W Insider: Brisbane’s June Cool Hunter Guide
Friday June 1 marked a very special day for Brisbane City – the opening of its first five-star hotel in 20 years, W Brisbane. There are many elements that make W Brisbane particularly worthy of the five-star accolade, one of which is the W Insider, Montana Tozzi, a gal about town whose job is to ensure guests have access to whatever they want, whenever they want it. Each month Montana treats guests with her hit-list of what to do and see in Brisbane via the Cool Hunter Guide, and seeing as that’s our specialty, we’ve partnered with her to curate it each month. Here you have it folks – the best of Brisbane this June.
Patricia Piccinini : Curious Affection Up Late
GOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane
Weird and wonderful things happen after dark, and you’re sure to experience both at Patricia Piccinini: Curious Affection Up Late. The renowned artist has brought her curiously alluring creatures to GOMA. Each Friday from June 8 to July 6 the gallery will stay open until 10:30 pm, set to the sound of DJs and a stellar live music line-up.
INSIDER TIP: This exhibition is like nothing you’ve seen before – you’re going to want to debrief over a tipple or two. Stroll down to Fish Lane’s Maker for inventive cocktails and late-night snacks.
Arctic by Customs House
399 Queen Street, Brisbane City
You wouldn’t normally expect to find igloos perched on the banks of the Brisbane River, but this winter you’re in for a treat. Customs House’s riverside courtyard has been transformed into a winter wonderland, partnering with Belvedere Vodka for Arctic by Customs House. The pop-up bar features winter-inspired cocktails, warming Polish-style food and clear igloos to shelter you from the crisp air, complete with heating and fur-draped furniture. One look at the cocktail list and you’re sure to warm up – Popcorn Martini or Belvedere Apple Strudel, anyone?
INSIDER TIP: For an extra-special night out and one of the best views of the Story Bridge, ask me to book you an exclusive private igloo, complete with drinks and food.
Malt Teaser Whisky Festival
Bakery Lane, off Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Whisky lovers, rejoice! On Saturday June 16 from 2:00–10:00 pm, Fortitude Valley’s Bakery Lane is hosting the Malt Teaser Whisky Festival, dedicating an entire eight hours to the celebrated beverage. Set beneath Brisbane’s clear winter sky, the festival will feature a curated selection of Australian and international whiskies, with each distillery creating a special drink and cocktail list to warm you from the inside out. With an all-day line-up of live music and food vendors, Malt Teaser Whisky Festival will keep you partying well into the evening.
INSIDER TIP: Bakery Lane isn’t just for festivals – you can visit the hidden laneway for delicious eats, boutique finds, sweet treats and after-hours drinks.
The Gresham
308 Queen Street, Brisbane City
Fancy pairing your tipple with a slice of Brisbane’s history? Look no further than The Gresham. Residing in a stately heritage-listed building, the bar is steeped in old-world charm, telling the story of
centuries past through its inventive cocktail list. The intimate bar has won multiple awards, including Australian Bar of the Year, and for good reason – one look at the extensive back bar and you know
you’re in good hands. The Gresham is open until 3:00 am seven days, ready and waiting whenever the mood strikes.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t be afraid to peek behind the button-tufted red leather door in the back corner – you’ll find The Gresham’s character-filled bar within a bar, The Drawing Room.
Cork & Chroma
44 Montague Road, South Brisbane
The art of drinking, it’s a hard thing to master but at Cork & Chroma you will get the swing of it real quick.
INSIDER TIP: BYO – bring it on and bring it along, at Cork & Chroma you can take your own beverage of choice. Why not throw a great food platter into the mix to help you fuel your inner Picasso?
Latin Fridays
Brisbane Square, George Street, Brisbane City
Head to toe with Latin flow. It’s time to get some sass in your salsa at Latin Fridays, taking over Brisbane Square every Friday night. Dance like nobody is watching or watch while everyone is dancing
from 7:00 pm you can get inspired by the pros and watch them shake it out, or stay until 8PM, grab a partner and learn the motions.
INSIDER TIP: All that movin’ and shakin’ will surely make you hungry! Fuel the fire within with a great Asian-fusion feast at Fat Noodle, located in the Treasury Casino.
Coffee Anthology
126 Margaret Street, Brisbane City
Anthologies come from a great cuppa coffee. This quirky timber and brick cafe pours up the best daily grind to get that early morning motivation going. You can’t go wrong with a good brew from Coffee Anthology – the team outsources special-grade beans from some of Australia’s best roasters.
INSIDER TIP: Pick a winner and go for the chocolate nougat and sweet berry flavour by Geelong’s Cartel Coffee Roasters.
At W Brisbane: Three Blue Ducks
81 North Quay, W Brisbane
Duck in and tuck in to the bugs XO and yoghurt bread, both of which are curated specifically for W Brisbane. We don’t want to rush you, but these dishes are too good to miss.
Keep an eye on The Weekend Edition each month for more Cool Hunter Guides with the W Insider!
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
