Overview
You can't stop the music on the relatively quiet stretch where Upper Roma Street approaches Petrie Terrace. Long-standing venue, The Beetle Bar, might've closed in mid 2016 but it hasn't taken long for a newcomer to take over the space. Say goodbye to insects and hello to — a fiery bird? The Flamin' Galah is swooping in.
Quietly opening its doors just before Christmas last year and officially launching as a live music spot in early April, The Flamin' Galah aims to combine gigs, ace events, drinks and food. Drop by for whatever's on each evening, or just for a tipple and something tasty. Eventually, there'll be something entertaining on the bill every night, whether it's a touring band, local talent, a party, trivia or a DJ, and from April 15, the kitchen will be whipping up burgers and fries, midday 'til close, seven days a week.
The current lineup for April and May includes a Yeezus Has Risen tribute shindig, a '90s house party, a collab by Brisbane favourites, Kooii and Kafka, Spanish legends La Pegatina, and a Detroit techno-groove rave. It's a diversely curated selection that promises more curveballs to come.
It sounds like the kind of place you'd be more likely to find in the Valley than a part of the city not really known for its hangout spaces, as co-owner Billy Grantley is well aware. "You're spoilt for joints when it comes to fun things to do on a Friday or Saturday night in Brissie," he says. "There's so much happening, but our goal is to offer a different destination outside of that usual craziness."
Grantley, who's also behind local booze delivery service Knock Knock Booze There with Flamin' Galah co-owner Leon Lechner, has capitalised on the space's existing design to make that happen. "It's a purpose-built live music venue... the building was actually custom-built with a sound architect, so it's got double-layered walls, it's got a mezzanine," he explains. Accommodating between 300 to 330 people, "it has been designed in a way that we crank the sound up really loud, we don't have any close residential neighbours, so it's this perfect little party spot." For those wondering just how loud that is, The Flamin' Galah has a 115-decibel limit — the level of your usual huge concert.
Patrons will also find walls adorned with murals by Brisbane street artist Drapl — his vast, painted bird is impossible to miss. Plus, the interior has been given a renovation to feel "new and contemporary" after The Beetle Bar's impressive decade-plus run.
Find The Flamin' Galah at 350 Upper Roma Street, Brisbane. Head to their Facebook page for further information.
Images: Lachlan Douglas Photography.