Brisbane’s proudest pub The Wickham shows off its colourful $3.1-million makeover
The Valley has been quieter than usual ever since The Wickham closed its doors for refurbishment. But now, after seven months of major renovations, the beloved pub and LGBTQIA+ community hub is back and – dare we say it – better than it has ever been. With doors now open, we’ve been given a look at the substantial revamp, which has transformed several of The Wickham’s main spaces, upgraded its amenities and elevated the pub’s experiential aspects. Throw in a brand-new disco-inspired drinks offering and a rebuilt menu headlined by drool-worthy stone-baked pizzas, and the new-look Wickham looks primed to make its end of The Valley come alive once more.
Revamps are tricky, especially when the thing scoring a makeover is widely beloved. There’s a delicate balance to making improvements without sacrificing what made the original so popular in the first place. In the case of The Wickham’s $3.1-million refurbishment, a lot of thought and care has gone into not only enhancing the long-running pillar of Fortitude Valley’s party scene, but defining what aspects are integral to the venue’s spirit and personality. The multi-million dollar makeover, spearheaded by architect Jon Mikulic of Newline Design, has deftly walked this proverbial tightrope, instilling The Wickham with a new sense of vivacious pizazz without messing with the established formula. When it comes to the biggest changes, improving the pub’s amenities was paramount. The beer garden has been completely transformed, with the addition of a built-in, weather-proofed stage giving the outdoor space an all-occasion versatility. Inside, The Wickham’s kitchen has received a major upgrade (the benefits of which we’ll get to in a second), while the former Corner Bar and Studio spaces have been given new identities with corresponding colour-soaked makeovers. The Peacock Room is a laid-back lounge-style space adorned with comfy vintage furnishings and decorated with a curated collection of artwork from local LGBTQIA+ creators. A new giant peacock bar (which pays tribute to the Wickham’s peacock, Frankie) will be a gathering point for revellers before they hit the Garland Room, The Wickham’s new club space designed to house functions, parties, touring DJs and performers.
Of course, the new-and-improved amenities aren’t the only reason to come back to The Wickham. Executive chef Dylan Kemp is putting the kitchen’s new bells and whistles to good use, creating a brand-new menu that ranges from vegan and share-style plates (cauliflower hot bites, fried quail with truffle mash, deep-fried Golden Gaytimes and fairy bread) to mains (hand-crumbed chicken parmigiana, chargrilled flank steak and potato crisp battered fish) and stone-baked pizzas. Got a furry friend you can’t leave behind? The Wickham’s pup-friendly menu has the likes of offal terrines with kale and gravy, fried rice with egg and crispy pig skin, and meatballs with brown rice and braised vegetables. Beverage director Kevin Peters has overseen a similar glow-up process for The Wickham’s beverage offering, taking inspiration from 1970s disco and applying it to new signature cocktails like the Disco Fruit Tingle (which is served in a disco ball) and the Glitter Bellini with edible glitter. These concoctions are available alongside a sturdy wine, spirit and beer offering, as well as a dynamic array of non-alcoholic options, including booze-free cocktails like the No-groni and Espresso Marti-no. The venue will continue to offer live entertainment, with a weekly schedule offering something from Thursday to Sunday, including musicians, drag performers, burlesque, comedy shows and Thursday night trivia.
The Wickham has reopened to the public. Current operating hours, contact details and menu info can be found in the Stumble Guide.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
