The Gresham

Review

Award winning and Heritage listed, The Gresham is located on the famous Queen St in Brisbane city. Originally designed for the Queensland National Bank in 1881, the building is entrenched in history with portraits surrounding the walls of previous Brisbaneites and scenes of the past.

Famous around Australia for its whisk(e)y selection and churning out quality bartenders, The Gresham has long been known as a prestigious venue in the Brisbane scene. Clientele ranges between office workers during the day and hospitality late in the night.

Leather bound stools line the stained American oak bar, framing the extensive whisk(e)y and formidable spirits collection behind. Chairs and tables are lined neatly throughout the venue, over artisan rugs, again within the warm feel of a well-kept heritage building and old world charm. To beat the Queensland heat there's even an outside corner patio stocked with chairs and a sneaky open window for bar service.

Lights are kept dim with a dark and moody ambiance, reminiscent of times past, to enter is to truly be taken back in time. Extraordinarily high ceilings are covered with pressed tin metal, adding to the magic and detail that makes up the Gresham. Personalised coasters and bar swizzels all add come together with house made vermouths and syrups. The only giveaway that you have not been transported back to 1881 is the classic rock blasting out the speakers where singalongs are encouraged in the early hours of the morning.

A hidden cocktail bar, the drawing room resides within the second room of the Gresham behind a plush red door, entrance is gained by buzzer, however with only 24 seats available you may have to wait. Chesterfield couches and green leather armchairs line the walls, with a small one person bar creating cocktails only available in the intimate setting. The Drawing Room offers table service unlike its big sister next door, making it perfect to sit down and have a quiet conversation with a partner or small group.