Overview
Brisbane's pubs have started looking a little different, with a heap of watering holes around the city undergoing considerable makeovers over the past year or so. As seen as spots such as Cleveland Sands Hotel, Salisbury Hotel, the Crown Hotel in Lutwyche and Bribie Island Hotel, bars owned by Australian Venue Co have been getting revamp — and The Wickham in Fortitude Valley is about to join them.
The 137-year-old heritage-listed pub has just announced a $1.5-million renovation, which'll see its ground-floor bar, beer garden and second floor all transformed. While the refurbishment is under way, the venue has also temporarily closed most of its spaces, effective Monday, August 8, except its gaming room.
A reopening date hasn't yet been set, but The Wickham will welcome patrons back in before 2022 comes to a close. When it throws open the doors again, it'll boast dedicated areas for socialising, casual dining, group gatherings and events — and, crucially, for dancing.
With Newline Design leading the makeover, the hotel will also sport a modernised look and feel, although exactly what that'll entail hasn't been revealed.
That said, Chief Operating Officer Craig Ellison advised that "The Wickham is a Fortitude Valley icon. We want to make The Wickham the best version of itself, and offer Brisbane's LGBTQIA+ community the best experience every time they visit."
Grace Smith
Regulars can also look forward to a new entertainment program — with existing popular weekly events such as trivia and drag bingo returning, of course, as well as guest DJs. The Wickham will continue to host LGTBQIA+ street party Big Gay Day once a year as well.
And, under Executive Chef Dylan Kemp, the venue will score a new menu — which will include woodfired pizzas, bar snacks and late-night options, including a sizeable range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
The Wickham is no stranger to nips and tucks during its century-plus existence, last undergoing a refresh back in 2014, which gave the spot five completely new spaces.
The Wickham will reopen its bar, beer garden and studio at 308 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, sometime before the end of 2022 — we'll update you with an exact date when one is announced.