Fun activities to take your after-work drinks to the next level
There are few feelings better than knock-off time, especially on a Friday. The only issue we can see is that descending upon the closest pub for a pint at week’s end can get a bit stale after doing so nearly every week. If your after-work drinks routine is getting a tad staid, then you need to inject a bit of fun into your evening schedule. Should you and the crew decide to make plans for this Friday, consider some of these inner-city activities that will really have you exclaiming ‘TGIF’ with appropriate vigour.
Once the happy hour hits on a Friday afternoon, workers across Brisbane put down their tools, abandon their computers and clock off for the week. Those working in the city typically descend on the nearest bars or restaurant to celebrate the week that was, but let’s face it – sometimes it’s nice to shake up the ritual once in a while. If you want to get sophisticated and enjoy your after-work drinks with a view, Customs House is home to the Sunset Spritz pop-up bar over summer, where patrons can mingle and sip on cocktails while watching the sunset. We can appreciate the need to want to get loud sometimes. If that’s the case, your best bet is to check out the tunes at Brooklyn Standard or Doo-Bop Jazz Bar. These watering holes host live music every night of the week, but you can be sure that Friday night will see the atmosphere at its liveliest. Should your last sip of rosé have you feeling extra bold, take the stage yourself at one of Brisbane City’s karaoke joints. Both Music City on Adelaide Street and Fat Louie’s on Albert Street have plenty of rooms for you and your colleagues to belt out ‘You’re the Voice’ by John Farnham in privacy.
Perhaps you and your squad would prefer to avoid the bars this week. If so, we suggest using your noggin in a fun way! The Escape Manor on Edward Street boasts four different rooms with their own challenges, making for an engaging group activity. Strike Bowling in the Wintergarden also boasts private karaoke rooms and three escape rooms of its own, plus 12 bowling lanes, pool tables and a laser tag arena for everyone to blow off some steam, but if you are keen to get competitive, iPlay is filled wall to wall with arcade games for you to challenge your pals. Perhaps the gang is feeling a bit rundown after a hectic week – the new Elizabeth Picture Theatre is a terrific place to relax with a luxurious movie experience, offering comfortable, ecstasy-inducing seats, plus drinks and snacks brought directly to your seat, while QUT’s Gardens Theatre stages incredible theatrical productions throughout the year that are well worth buying tickets to if you and your office crew are keen on some Friday night culture.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
