Cream Is the New Judgement-Free Brisbane Pop-Up Focusing on Inclusivity and Positivity

Heading to a bar and truly being yourself don't always go hand-in-hand. Whether you're a veteran hospitality worker who spends too much of your life pouring beverages, or you're just fond of hitting your local once the working week is done, navigating the nightlife scene usually involves being on guard — especially for women. Enter Brisbane's newest pop-up: Cream.

Here, relaxing, tearing down barriers, and feeling welcome and respected are all on the agenda, as is — according to co-organiser Gibby Odlum — "letting your freak flag fly".

The regular event is the brainchild of Odlum, Kayla Reid and Allison Jones, who all work in Brisbane's watering holes — Odlum is the venue manager at Blute's in Fortitude Valley, Reid holds the same role at Savile Row and Jones does the same at Super Whatnot in the CBD.

Once a week, the trio would get together over margaritas and let their hair down, inviting different friends and colleagues along to join them. Then, after being approached by Black Bear Lodge owner Aidan Beiers, the three decided to turn their regular gathering into a public party.

Image: Brendan Grimley

After kicking off back in February, Cream's second event will take place on Monday, July 15 — and the galactic rodeo theme offers a great insight into what's in store. Think dressing up, letting loose and getting into the partying spirit, all while sipping drinks from Jagermeister, Puerto Pacifico and Young Henrys, and making shapes to Moon Spoon and Thicc Shake Crew. "We all know you have a cowboy hat somewhere in the back of your cupboard," Odlum says.

While plenty of bars and shindigs combine tunes, booze and a chilled mood, Cream's focus on providing a safe, judgement-free space for everyone is a welcome one. "Our mission statement is simple: no matter how you identify or your background, it's a place we can all come together and just enjoy a really honest event," says Jones. "Being a woman in a male-dominated industry isn't easy, but, for the three of us, we wanted to use this platform to not fight it in an aggressive way, but to turn the image of women being on the outside to women being these hardcore, badass legends."

From here, Cream doesn't have a firm plan, but eager Brisbanites can expect more pop-ups, including potential collaborations with other events. Venturing to Sydney could also be on the cards, too. "We want to keep our options open as much as possible and branch out where we can," says Reid.

Cream's Galactic Rodeo takes place at 7pm on Monday, July 15 at Black Bear Lodge. For more information and upcoming events, keep an eye on Cream's Facebook page.

Top image: Blute's Bar.