Overview
How do you make the news of a new Brisbane bar even more exciting? Keep the address under wraps until moments before throwing open the doors. That's Tomcat's strategy, anyway — they'll only reveal the bar's exact Fortitude Valley location right before the launch.
Here's what we do know so far. In its main space, Tomcat will attempt to fuse a house party and dive bar into one hangout space, and give it an '80s-like atmosphere. Decor-wise, think street graffiti on the walls and dim red lighting setting a mysterious mood. The kitchen will crank out New York-style pizzas for patrons keen on both eating in and taking away, and the drinks range will include two cocktails on tap, as well as bottle service that extends to gin, rum, scotch and more.
And that's just the first part — Tomcat has another secret up its sleeves. Within the main bar they'll have another bar called The Boiler Room. Setting up a high-end spirit and cocktail establishment with an industrial, substation-esque vibe is the name of the game, with low lighting, jazz trip-hop tunes, leather lounges and daily changing charcuterie boards providing the finishing touches. And if you opt for bottle service here, your preferred Remy Martin beverage will be kept in a locked cabinet with your name literally on it.
The dual-concept venue hails from a bunch of folks with plenty of experience, with owners Chris Denman and Stevie Waite veterans of Fourth Wall and The Manhattan Line, venue manager Kal Moore hailing from The Gresham and assistant venue manager Scott Griffin boasting X&Y on his resume. And while Tomcat's specific site won't be officially revealed until opening night, if you're savvy with your online searching you might be able to piece a few clues together. We could tell you right here, right now — but where's the fun in that?
Tomcat will open in Fortitude Valley from late September until early October. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information as they release it.
Image: star5112 via Flickr.