Overview
Since 1888, a pub has stood on the stretch of Fortitude Valley's Wickham Street approaching Brunswick Street, albeit under different names over the years. By the time October 2020 comes to an end, the space will be home to The Prince Consort — an eight-venue collective that's taking over the heritage-listed hotel currently known as The Elephant, and reinstating the site's 132-year-old original moniker in the process.
Sparking the change is the pub's new owners, Tilley & Wills Hotels, which already boasts Sydney's Greenwood Hotel and Oxford Art Factory among its venues. It's giving the premises a thorough revamp, including the creation of different new spaces with varying themes and focuses. As incoming manager Jason Hirt explains, the result will allow Brisbanites "to choose between a heritage-style classic English pub, a luxe supper club, a Los Cabos-inspired taco and tequila adventure, a music-driven underground edge, a chilled garden bar and more".
As live music venue The Foundry announced last week, it will no longer be part of the space, moving to a yet-to-be-revealed new Valley location by November instead. But The Prince Consort will remain home to Greaser, which was already part of The Elephant, as well as newcomers La La Land, The Garden Bar, 400 Rabbits Cantina, The Bowie Rooms, The Yorke Suites and The Naughty Corner.
The Prince Consort itself will reside on the ground floor, in the parlour, and operate as a gastropub. La La Land, which will be located upstairs, will give venue a luxurious supper club-style bar with booth seating, VIP private rooms, a tapas-heavy menu and the ability to live-stream events from around the world — plus a dance floor beneath a crystal chandelier. Downstairs, The Garden Bar will claim the site's openair space, this time with plants, pastel hues and a stadium screen.
JLL
As the name suggests, 400 Rabbits Cantina will be all about food, especially tacos, while The Bowie Rooms will live up to their theme and The Yorke Suites are designed for musicians and creatives. And, as for The Naughty Corner, few details have been revealed — but, among all of these venues-within-a-venue, fans of The Elephant's woodfired pizzas can rest assured that they'll still be on offer.
Drinks-wise, folks can expect 89 beers on tap across the site, as well as sizeable cocktail list.
And if you're wondering how the revamped space will look, the aim is to take The Prince Consort back to its roots, while also giving it a new feel.
Find The Prince Consort at 230 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley from late October 2020 — we'll update you with an exact opening date when one is announced.
Top image: David Kelly.