What to hit at Bartenders’ Weekender: the takeover and collabs edit

It’s getting close now — 10 sleeps or thereabouts. The Bartenders’ Weekender kicks off in Brisbane on June 16th, with some 37 events taking place across three days.

We’ve got big industry parties happening, education and inspiration on hand at the Better Bars Summit presented by Glenfiddich (get your tickets here — we're nearly booked out) and some great liquid to be had. There’s also some impressive talent flying into Brisbane to put on one of a kind bar takeovers and collaborations you won’t want to miss — below, seven takeovers we’ll be checking out.

Let Them Cook! Clarence at Alba Bar & Deli - 6.00pm, Sunday 16 June

Woollongabba restaurant Clarence comes to the CBD, being hosted by Alba Bar & Deli. It’s a takeover with a difference — the Alba kids get out of the kitchen, and let the produce-driven restaurant take the reins for the night. Get tickets here.

Bar Bellamy at Before + After — 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Monday 17 June

It’s one of Australia’s best bars, if you ask us, and it’s coming to takeover one of Brisbane’s best. Owners Dani and Oska Whitehart from Melbourne’s Bar Bellamy (number three on the 2023 Boothby Best Bars VIC list), along with their new recruit Alex Gondzioulis (Bartender of the Year 2019), will bring their particular brand of neighbourhood cocktail bar to Brisbane — you don’t want to miss it.

All the way from Singapore, Puffy Bois Pizza Party at Stratton Bar — 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Monday 17 June

The man’s hospitality is legendary. Samuel Ng is one of Australia’s best bartending exports, having run things at Black Pearl in Melbourne, before being crowned Brand Ambassador of the Year for his work with then small brand, Four Pillars, in Australia. He has called Singapore home for the last six years, and opened Puffy Bois — a neighbourhood cocktail bar and pizza joint — there in 2023. He’ll be joined by two other hospitality heavyweights, James Irvine (Merivale’s group creative cocktail lead) and Nick Tesar (Four Pillars ambassador) to put on a pizza party to remember.

Apollo Inn & Goodwater at The Gresham — 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Monday 17 June

Two killer Melbourne bars at one Brisbane icon? That’s what’s happening when Apollo Inn (number 9 on the Boothby Best Bars VIC list) and newcomer Goodwater takeover The Gresham for one night only. Nate White, Liv Kelly, and John Hallett will be bringing you some signature Goodwater serves including a methode traditionale Bourbon & Coke coined “The Champagne Old Fashioned”. Cam Parish and Jack Wilson will be mixing up their Apollo Inn specialty, classic drinks with modern techniques applied, including their house fast double aged boulevardier twist. And The Gresham team will be whipping up their classic Sunnyboy with a bourbon twist. RSVPs are not essential but appreciated.

Old Love’s at The Nixon Room — 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Monday 17 June

They’re the little Sydney rum bar with a big focus on flavour. Old Love’s is the hot new rum bar of note, with a collection most rum fanatics can only dream about. Owner Dre Walters and the team are coming to Brisbane to spread the rumbo love, joining Tim Speechly at The Nixon Room for one night only. Don’t miss it.

Beneath Eagle Lane: Beneath Driver Lane at Brooklyn Standard — 7.00pm - 10.00pm, Monday 17 June

If it’s Monday in Brisbane, it’s Mariachi Monday at the award-winning live music bar Brooklyn Standard. Only that for this Bartenders’ Weekender, Melbourne’s own basement music bar, Beneath Driver Lane, will be coming to join them, too.

Mix Haus All Star Female Bar Takeover — 7.00 -10.00pm, Tuesday 18 June

Join Mix Haus for a night of shenanigans and good times as they host an all-stars line up party at Dark Red in Fortitude Valley. The all-stars line up will be showcasing some of Australia’s best bartenders together for 1 night in Brisbane as they stir up a mess for a good cause. Come along and show your support!

The Waratah at Maker — 7.00 - 10.00pm, Tuesday 18 June

The Waratah is one of the best new bars to open in Sydney, and its roster features some of Australia’s best bartenders — two of them, Evan Stroeve and Tom Opie, have collaborated with Ellery Low and his team of top flight bartenders at Maker, 2023 winner of Best Cocktail Bar QLD and number 2 on the Top 30 bars in the state. It’s a one time only menu from the very best in Australia — we’ll see you there.