Overview
Like a snake calling on a phone, you've got no time to be alone at Brisbane's next must-sip cocktail spot: Stranded, which takes its name from The Saints' relentlessly catchy punk hit that'll always be a part of the city's history. The soon-to-launch bar isn't just borrowing a musical moniker, however — it's decking out the place in rock and punk memorabilia as well, and with 70s and 80s alternative culture as its guiding force.
In other words, it's exactly the kind of laneway bar that Brisbanites should expect from Shane Chidgzey, Luke Johnston and Cat Clarke, aka the owners of iconic Fortitude Valley music venue The Zoo.
"We wanted Stranded to be reminiscent of the Back Room of Max's New York, where artists like Andy Warhol, Iggy Pop and Bowie found sanctuary from the conformity of the outside world to eat, drink and have a bloody good time," explains Clarke.
Perched in Winn Lane and opening on Friday, April 8, Stranded is The Zoo crew's second new venture in 2022, after already branching out beyond just gigs with Zoopreme Pizzeria. This time around, they're going heavy on cocktails, but will also serve up food as well.
The full menu hasn't been revealed yet, but it'll skew share-style — and a 32-hour slow-cooked mezcal infused beef cheek just might be a star attraction. Drinks-wise, mezcal will also feature heavily, martinis will be on offer, and a focus on celebrating artistry will beat hard across the dining and beverage range.
Presumably, The Saints' '(I'm) Stranded' — both the song and the album of the same name — will get a whirl on the venue's soundtrack, which'll come from live DJs spinning vinyl.
Brisbanites can also expect "a refined yet comfortable space for those that love great music and quality food paired with unique cocktails," says Chidgzey.
"The goal for Stranded is to become a home away from home for people to explore themselves through music while enjoying a cheeky tipple."
Find Stranded upstairs at 3 Winn Lane, Fortitude Valley, from Friday, April 8.