When the Emporium said goodbye to its old Fortitude Valley digs and relocated across the river at South Bank, it took its luxe look and feel with it. The relocated hotel is staycation central — but even if you can't book a room and make an indulgent night of it, you can still drop by the venue's glitzy new Piano Bar every day of the week.
A cascading gold and crystal chandelier, plenty of shiny black mirrored surfaces and — of course — a piano are just the beginning at this cosy but lush spot, which is located on the hotel's ground floor. Naturally, live music is a highlight. Hear a pianist tickle the ivories from 5pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and from 2pm on Sundays. On Thursdays from 6pm, and Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm, live jazz also echoes through the space.
While you're enjoying the decor and the soundtrack, make your way through the Piano Bar's hefty 14-page drinks list. Classic cocktails (all $19), including four types of martini, take pride of place, but wine, beer and spirits lovers won't leave disappointed. If you're fond of whisky — Japanese, American and single malt — there's much to tempt your tastebuds.
Piano Bar also offers a small food menu, starting with a cheese and finocchiona salami toasted sandwich ($12), as well as smashed avocado with poached eggs and smoked salmon ($16), all for brunch from 10am. All-day options include a whole baked camembert wheel ($20), poached king prawns ($20), a steak sandwich made with black angus beef sirloin ($28) and Clyde River rock oysters in half-dozen ($27) and full-dozen ($54) serves. Or, choose from one of five desserts — such as the signature zebra eclair with pineapple compote and liquorice curd ($9), and the 'Ferrero vs Tiramisu' ($18).