New Brisbane

I write this for those who are truly down for the cause. What is the cause you say? Well I write this for those who truly appreciate a good night out. What does a good night out entail? Exotic cocktails, an attractive, friendly crowd, great music and a venue that lets you relax and put your mind at ease. Now traditionally on a Sunday Night the masses have flocked to The Regatta to get their last taste of the freedom that the weekend offers before Monday rolls around again. However, after a meal in Newfarm with my girlfriend, a walk along the river, a trip on the city cat and you get the picture, I found myself going for a late night stroll in that serene and often eye opening strip that is Brunswick St Mall on a Sunday Night.

Now as you’d expect most of the Valley’s venues are pretty dead on a Sunday, enter ‘The Press Club’. Now for those of you who have never been to The Press Club or shock horror don’t even know where the Press Club is, it’s located between The Sunbar and The Empire and is part of the Empire Hotel.

The Press Club
339 Brunswick Street
Fortitude Valley, 4006
Tel: [07] 3852 1216

The Press Club is often consider by some as Brisbane’s best known bar & live music venue. In my opinion the best thing about Press Club isn’t the cocktails or the tranquil atmosphere but the fact that you can bank on it drawing a pretty decent crowd most nights of the week. Although, it is considered an Upmarket venue the Press Club attracts a diverse range of cliental that defines everything that is the Valley. You will get everything from Business executive types in Versace suits to punk rock cats with exotic piercings. The great thing is that the diverse range of people all go there for the same reason, the great atmosphere.

When walking past the Press Club you will immediately notice the black leather couches and a giant fan which symbolises the Press Club. Once past the bouncer you will go through the giant door which weighs a thousand tonnes and you will enter the dim lit, seductive aura that is the Press Club. You will make your way to the bar on the right which features some of the best cocktails in Brisbane I have had to date. If you are the designated driver for the night ask one of the bartenders to make you a mocktail that would suit your taste buds, or a cocktail to suit your taste buds if you are drinking. Or if you believe what you saw in those milk ads back in the day is true then order a glass of milk. The bar staff and service at the Press Club perhaps isn’t as first class as it was in the past but it’s still pretty good. The black leather couches are very comfortable indeed and perfect for a night out with a group of friends. The only issue is that the music tends to be a bit loud to talk to anyone more than about two people away from you when you’re in a booth. The music can be anything from house music, to latin music to rock music, to chill out type stuff depending on your night. If you or your friends have a particular preference it might pay to check on whats on which night beforehand.

Even though it’s a relatively upmarket venue, like the Sunbar drinks are reasonably priced. The bouncers and bar staff are generally very friendly and helpful especially if you are a regular guest there. However, if they don’t like you for some reason or you do something to piss them off they can become quiet unfriendly too say the least. You can generally get in there wearing most things as long as you don’t wear sneakers or the like or dress like a try hard. The bouncers might even let you straight in (when there is a small line) if you are friendly with them and are a regular there. The Press Club definately has an exclusive feel from the outside but don’t let that deceive you, most people there are very friendly, cool and interesting people.

Onto Sunday Night, as I walked along Brunswick St hoping to sample latin dancing at Alhambra which is just around the corner I couldn’t help but be drawn into the Press Club by the large crowd assembled and the funky music. There was a live local act who were more than competent at performing live. In the future I’ll get the name of the band but if you guys are reading this then you guys have a very cool and unique style. The band was an interesting mix of a drum kit, a Synthesiser, a guitar and some cool kind of distorted vocals. The crowd was lapping in up and rocking away to the music which was an interesting cross between rock, DUB and house music in my ‘musical‘ opinion.

The crowd was kicking and had a very good energy to it, and the venue was packed to the rafters. There is definately something very cool about having just one venue packed to the rafters with all the patrons having a great time. The crowd was as usual quiet diverse with a few of the quirky types that the valley seems to attract on a Sunday. A lot of the regulars on the Brisbane Clubbing scene were also in attendance. To give you some perspective The Press Club on a Friday or Saturday pales in comparision to what it’s like on a Sunday Night currently. In fact almost every bar in Brisbane on a Saturday night pales to what the Press Club is like on a Sunday Night. Great atmosphere, attractive crowds, great music and great cocktails. How long will it last, I don’t know, but over the past few weeks Press Club on a Sunday night has definately been one of the places to be. So while it’s still hot, I might suggest you give Press Club a chance on a Sunday Night it’s definately a good night out for all.