Just a block down from the busy South Brisbane strip there now sits a moody bar and distillery where you’ll find all the gin you could ever want, thanks to the opening of Eleven Bridges. You might not expect to find it tucked away on Peel Street, but the location makes perfect sense with GOMA and QPAC just a short walk away—cue date night idea.
While the front bar of Eleven Bridges is a pretty good spot to nab a perch, we suggest cruising straight through and down the hallway lined with old record album covers to find their secret lounge out the back. Fitted with cosy couches and quirky antiques, you’ll feel at home as soon as you take a seat.
Before you settle in on the couches though—we know it may be hard to resist—you’ll want to hit the bar, because with a list of gins this long (there’s over 100), it’s going to take a while to make a decision. Thankfully, they’ve made it easy for you with every gin paired with the perfect mixer. Our pick would have to be the Pot & Still Fig Gin with lemon and thyme tonic, but if you’d prefer to experiment a bit simply choose your size, gin and mixer. Not a gin and tonic drinker? Don’t worry, there’s some seriously creative cocktails on offer as well.
If you're a true gin afficionado though, you'll want to order one of their gin tasting paddles. For $25, you'll get three 15ml gin samples with your choice of either tonic or soda. Sip your way through Eleven Bridges' own William Jolly and Tasmanian Pinot Noir gins, as well as another local tipple, Laceys Hill Lemon Myrtle gin.
The creators of Bridges Eleven aren’t oblivious to the necessity of good food to accompany your gin either. Whether you’re just after some nibbles to go with your cocktail or a sit-down meal is in order, there’s something on the menu to suit. For those sharing, tuck into small plates like mushroom and asparagus arancini, lemon pepper calamari or saucy chickens, while those feeling a little hungrier can scoff pan-fried salmon drizzled with thyme, garlic and lemon butter served with kipfler potatoes, or a panko-crumbed chicken schnitzel and chips.
If the clock has struck midnight and you’re still left wanting more, the owners are also crafting their very own gin right there in the bar—and the limited first batch is available to buy by the bottle. Dubbed the William Jolly Summer Gin, the fruity, citrus infused gin will take you right back to those balmy summer days.
We hear there may also be some gin tasting paddles making their way to Eleven Bridges, so keep your eyes peeled and palates at the ready. Find out everything else you need to know about the new addition to Brisbane’s scene here.
Want to make your own gin? Check out this gin school in West End.
Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine