Pawn & Co., the super venue from Melbourne is setting foot in Brisbane this month. Taking over the iconic Laruche/Beehive in the heart of Fortitude Valley, the new 500-square-metre establishment has undergone a $4 million refurbishment with an exquisite design that blends elegance and curiosity in a unique venue.
“It’s a pawn shop, where everything is on sale at all times.” Designers and Co-Founders Josh Lefers said. Because of its innovative concept, Pawn & Co. was praised by Forbes Magazine as “one of five dazzling new bars across the globe”. The grand launch on 8 August was packed with people, including myself, who were curious about the intriguing idea of having a pawn shop and perfumery within a bar. When I stepped into Pawn & Co, I was immediately awed by the art-deco decoration and a hint of smokey smell flowing in the air.
Following the smell, I found out about the perfumery workshop for the guests to get a taste of Pawn & Co.’s fragrances and drinks. I had two cocktails infused with perfume, one with a floral flavour and one with a woody flavour. The perfumery cocktails were sweet and a little bit spicy, certainly representing the vibe of the venue.
The full workshop experience was not available the day I came, but in the future, guests can book a masterclass with a perfumer to create their very own emotional fragrance, all while sipping on magnificent cocktails and enjoying a curated menu of delectable delights. I have asked every bartender I encountered to recommend a drink, and I have to say I was very satisfied with every one of them, from the spiced rum and coke, Kahlua and coke, and Midori house mix, to my all-time favourite gin and tonic.
Once you immerse yourself in the environment, you will find that the two-story building is full of surprises, with all the peculiar decorations and furniture. Having fun in this extravagant environment is so enjoyable, being able to own the stuff you like is even better. For vintage lovers, be prepared to pull your wallet out.
Designers and Co-Founders Josh Lefers and Stephen Wools are fresh off the heels of launching their new immersive Ballers Clubhouse in Adelaide, designers and Co-Founders Josh Lefers and Stephen Wools are bringing their immersive hospitality innovation to Brisbane with their super luxe Pawn & Co and are set to redefine the hospitality experience for Brisbane. “By integrating a perfumery into our cocktail experience, we’re bringing the worlds of retail and hospitality together in a way that’s never been done before,” says Josh Lefers. “It’s about creating a space where every visit is an adventure, and every drink, curiosity, and perfume tells a story”.
Collaborating with Steve Thomas and Alex Docherty, the teams behind iconic experiential venues such as Storyville and 29th Apartment, the four titans of hospitality have turned their eyes to Brisbane now as the new frontier of hospitality and entertainment. “We had been looking in Fortitude Valley because we all felt like it was the new best late-night precinct. You can feel the energy post-pandemic growing to new strengths, and with the Olympics driving further growth, it looks to be the preeminent spot in Australia,” adds Alex Docherty.
Visit Pawn & Co. Brisbane at 680 Ann Street for an adventure of the senses and a great night out.
Readers also enjoyed our story about BLEACH* Festival: Gold Coast
