Overview
Among the many things that 2020 has taught us, adapting to sudden changes ranks near the top of the list. And, in Brisbane's music scene, a big shift is currently underway — with The Foundry announcing that it's wrapping up its stint at its current digs immediately, then relocating to new premises by the end of the year.
It has been five years since The Foundry opened its doors inside The Elephant Hotel on Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley, with the space playing host to plenty of live tunes and music-themed parties in that period. But earlier this year, The Elephant was sold. Now the new owners have revealed their plans, sparking The Foundry's move.
Just where The Foundry will next call home is yet to be announced, but it'll be staying in the Valley — and moving to a "bigger and better space" according to its Facebook announcement. At present, it expects to reopen this November. And in terms of upcoming gigs, it'll be moving them all over to the new location.
Brisbanites will actually be saying goodbye not only to The Foundry at The Elephant, but to The Elephant in general, too. The site will continue to operate — after a refurbishment, with its main bar and beer garden now closed but Greaser remaining open — however it's changing its name. In fact, it's reverting back to its original moniker, The Prince Consort, which is what the the 132-year-old heritage-listed pub was initially called way back when.
In its own Facebook post, the team behind The Elephant noted that, when it is back in full swing as The Prince Consort, live music will still be part of its offering — plus DJs and pub trivia. As for when that'll happen, that hasn't been advised either. But, as anyone who can remember when The Elephant was called The Elephant and Wheelbarrow will know, change isn't unusual in this part of town.
The Foundry has shut its doors at 228 Wickham Street, and will move to a yet-to-be-revealed new Fortitude Valley site by the end of the year. For further details, keep an eye on its Facebook page.
The Elephant Hotel has closed its main bar and beer garden for a revamp, and will relaunch as The Prince Consort at a yet-to-be-advised date. For further details, keep an eye on The Prince Consort's Facebook page as well.
Top image: Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons.
