What do a perfumery, pawn shop and cocktail bar have in common? Well, you’ll find a version of them all inside Pawn & Co, the wild and wacky new bar coming to Brisbane on soon. Born in Melbourne 11 years ago, where the OG venue is still going strong, this novel experience isn’t just pawn club-themed—you’ll actually be able to buy everything on the shelves and even the bar itself if you’ve got deep enough pockets.
Taking over the space left behind by Laruche on Ann Street, the bar has some big shoes to fill, but after a sneak peek inside, we’re confident it’s going to deliver. Boasting multiple spaces for drinking, dancing and celebrating, the bar will also feature an actual perfumery where you can curate your own signature scent, a piano bar in an actual piano and a Rolex menu—basically, it has to be seen to be believed.
Co-founders Josh Lefers and Stephen Wools are well-known for creating memorable venues, and Pawn & Co Brisbane is set to be their most unforgettable yet. A whopping $4 million has been spent on the jaw-dropping space, which features everything from a giant gramophone that doubles as a smoke machine to bar seating made to look like upright pianos. Completed by Lowry Group, the fit out is more luxe than the Melbourne venue of the same name by design—but while you can start your night here sipping cocktails and browsing the Rolex menu, make no mistake, it will be party central here late at night.
The cocktails will be even more creative than the venue itself, with a carefully crafted list of experiential and immersive sips that incorporate all the senses. Think concoctions served in smoke-filled cloches with gingerbread cigars alongside, others that come with bottles of perfume to bring scent into the drinking experience and one that you’ll top with your choice of freshly grated spice.
On top of being a must-visit weekend venue, we have no doubt that Pawn & Co will be the hottest name in Christmas parties this year thanks to the multitude of spaces you can book into. As well as that perfumery experience, upstairs you’ll find The Vault of Curiosities, a private room for extra special occasions, and the whole upper level with its piano bar and separate dancefloor can also be booked out for events.
No matter what gets you through the door, make sure you scope out what’s in the pawn shop display cases that line almost every inch of the venue. From designer handbags and original Banksys (or so they say) to kitsch novelty sunglasses, you never know what you’ll take home after a few too many cocktails. Pawn & Co opens on 8 August, stay tuned for when bookings open .
Image credit: Dominic Loneragan | Supplied