Shhh! There is another new bar opening in Brisbane

by Andy Young Oct 22, 2019

There is no doubt that the bar scene in Brisbane is booming, if nothing else the fact the city has 19 nominations in this year’s Australian Liquor Industry Awards reflects a maturing market.
Now there is another new bar opening in Fortitude Valley, and while it’s called Shhh! this place plans to be anything but quiet.

The secretive bar features spots for drinking, dancing and mingling combining contemporary charm with excellent service including three booths there you can enjoy a butler service.

General Manager Jason Hirt says: “There is a gap in the market between a fun bar that fosters the atmosphere of an upbeat club and a place that is higher end.

“It’s for people who not only want a party spot, but who also want to feel comfortable in plush surrounds.

“It’s a happy medium between lounge bar and club, and for us, it has been an exciting and unique project to work on. It’s a new vibe for Brisbane.”

In terms of drinks Shhh! has a gin-focused menu of approximately 70 gins as well as a special menu from Adelaide Hills Distillery.

The bar is adjacent to Osbourne Hotel, was previously home to The Fringe Bar but it is a standalone venue with entry on Constance Street.

Bars and Clubs was told that when Osbourne re-launched a couple of years ago the space was pretty much left alone and used for overflow, but the owners have focused on the space to open this “amazing new venue”.

Food-wise the menu is designed for sharing with food from small shares of pork belly baos with sticky plum dressing, to charcuterie boards and cheese plates.

The designers have sought to bring the vision of owners Rod Barr and Jade Darlington to life “with maroons, navy, burgundy and gold featured, the fit out and styling is reminiscent of London’s prohibition days.

“The space flows through various areas with large booth seating through to dry bars, and sizeable chesterfield armchairs. Or sit at the bar and get a front row seat and watch your barkeeper concoct the perfect cocktail.”

Shhh! officially opens to the public at 4pm on Friday, 25 October.

Andy Young is an experienced journalist and editor having made a start as a sports journalist with The Sun newspaper in the UK. Since then he’s worked in major newspaper and television...