Overview
As cooler weather starts to creep in and summer pulls back once more, you may feel the need to start your yearly hibernation early. But this year, don't succumb to nights in on the couch watching back-to-back Netflix shows. Remind yourself that even a Brisbane summer doesn't last forever, and start planning your entertainment options for the coming months. We've teamed up with Tanqueray to track down where you can hold onto those summer vibes a bit longer or find some sophisticated indoor pursuits. As the weather gets a smidge chillier, make sure your days and nights are brimming with autumn action. Although there aren't many falling leaves about, we've rustled up a list of seasonably suitable activities that'll pair perfectly with a gin.
CATCH AN EXHIBITION AND SIP COCKTAILS BY A ROOFTOP POOL
Until Sunday, April 28, dive deep into an intimate story of 'architecture, art, people and place' at the Museum of Brisbane. Micro Histories is a showcase of artworks and artefacts matched with architectural designs by some of our city's most noteworthy architects. It looks at the inspirations these architects find throughout everyday life in the city and the art and objects that speak to Brisbane's cityscape and culture. After the show, head to Lennons Bar and Restaurant to contemplate your new insights into the relationship of people, art and environment in the development of Brisbane. Sip a Tanqueray French 75, gimlet or negroni as you sit by the pool, overlooking Queen Street Mall — a veritable memory lane of our city's architectural history.
TAKE IN WATER VIEWS AT APERITIVO HOUR
Brisbane's been getting a bit of a facelift in recent years, and the biggest, most anticipated redevelopment has finally opened at Howard Smith Wharves. Whether it's your pitstop on the Brisbane Riverwalk or an entertainment destination in itself, the Wharves have a calendar of regular and special events, from expos to open-air yoga. Not to mention enviable views along the river and under the Story Bridge. And naturally, this heritage-listed site is the perfect location for a retro, beach and boardwalk-style riverside bar. Enter, Mr Percival's. If you'd like to draw that summer feeling out into the autumn days ahead, sit back and relax on the sun-drenched deck when the weather's fine and listen to the gentle lapping of the water. Beneath a red and white umbrella, savour fresh oysters and aperitivo snacks like cured meats, zucchini flowers stuffed with crab or warm baguette with whipped cod roe dip, and sip one of the house cocktails like the G&T with a twist, featuring Tanqueray, Aperol, rosemary, black pepper, tonic and lemon zest.
TWFINEART.
PLAN A HIGH-BROW WANDER THROUGH THE VALLEY
The Valley is packed to the gills with small, powerful galleries, each with its own distinct curatorial taste. Contemporary art runs rife in the area with the likes of TWFINEART, Edwina Corlette Gallery and the Institute of Modern Art all sitting within a few paces of each other and presenting paintings, sculpture, digital art and more by local and international artists. The Suzanne O'Connell Gallery works with Indigenous artists from across Australia to exhibit painting, ceramic, bark and the like, while Mitchell Fine Art shows Aboriginal art in solo and group exhibitions and hosts regular artist talks. After your arty romp, head from boutique galleries to boutique cocktail bar — Finney Isles. Order one of its signature offerings: Point The Bone, with Tanqueray Rangpur gin, orange vermouth, Genetian eau de vie and olive oil. The combination of sweet, bitter orange and botanicals is exquisite, a work of art in itself.
HEAD OUT FOR A HIGHLY MUSICAL EVENING
Now that The Book of Mormon has finally arrived, no one should miss out on this internationally acclaimed musical comedy. It's 'converted' even the most musical-averse theatregoers since its Broadway debut in 2011. Book tickets for a night of crass hilarity and catchy show tunes, and once the curtain falls and 'Hasa Diga Eebowai' is thoroughly cemented in your head, go from musical theatre to musical libations. Across the river at The Boom Boom Room, you'll find cocktail 'playlists' rather than mere menus and a lush setting perfect for a Tanqueray No. Ten martini. Plan it right, and you may even catch one of the regular live jazz bands during your visit — a more downtempo way to end your night of box steps, jazz hands and 'hellos!'.
DISCOVER NEW DESIGNER TALENT THEN WATCH THE SUNSET OVER THE CITY
On the first Sunday of every month, South Bank plays host to up-and-coming creators at the Young Designers Market. Supporting emerging talent since 2007, the market presents an array of designs, showcasing local fashion, jewellery, homewares, prints and plenty more. After a good browse, head to Stokebar Q to unwind on the riverside deck or inside, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled city views. With these autumnal nights drawing in a little earlier, order a cocktail and watch the sun go down over the city. Opt for the Short Stack, with Tanqueray Gin, Mandarine Napoleon, falernum, quince syrup, lime juice and grapefruit powder, and ease into the evening as the sky and water go from orange to pink to purple.
Celebrate the return of autumn with a Tanqueray tipple in hand at home or around your city.
Top image: Mr Percival's.