Curiouser Launch – Opening of The Prince Consort Hotel

 

SheSociety were invited to one of the best parties of 2020, The Curiouser Launch, at the new look The Prince Consort Hotel ( formerly The Elephant Arms Hotel). Guests were asked to dress in a whimsical, witty and adventurous style, so there was plenty of sparkle, flower crowns, Mexicans, cowboys, showgirls, dancing girls, fire twirlers, musicians and a who’s who of Brisbane, including Winter Olympian turned craft beer brewer, Steven Bradbury, stylist Liz Golding , bloggers like Bec from I Love That Skirt and Samantha from Sipping Brisbane, footy players plus celebrities like Mike Goldman and Big Brother’s Ben from Brisbane, newsreader Ebony Cavallero and The Voice alumnus, Ellen Reed.Thanks to Kath Rose and her team for a fabulous night which took us on an adventure through a rabbit warren of amazingly decorated venues including The Prince Consort , La La Land, 400 Rabbits, Bowie Rooms, The Naughty Corner, The Deck, The Garden Bar and Greaser Bar. 

My musician son Matt James was the perfect person to accompany me as there was plenty of live music and craft beer to savour. In all there are 89 beer taps here, pouring everything from contemporary brews to modern crafts and international classics. Matt enjoyed the Young Henry’s beer whilst I sipped on champagne and a perfect classic Margarita from the Mexican inspired 400 Rabbits. Each bar has its own menus. We began the night nibbling prosciutto and melon plus fresh baby radish and vegetables, from supplier Suncoast Fresh, in La La Land, before ending the evening with delicious pizzas, sliders and banoffee pie from the kitchens of Greaser. My son claims that Greaser makes the best burgers in Brisbane.The night was like an endless adventure and we explored every nook and cranny of this delightful prince among pubs built in 1888. 

We were greeted at the La La Land entrance by beautiful showgirls with bedazzled costumes and feather and jewel encrusted headpieces before we followed the signs upstairs to La La Land ( formerly The Foundry) to explore the Boudoir and Ebony room, think decadent banquettes and chandeliers. We checked out The Deck where we could peer out into the Garden Bar where the DJ’s were mixing up a storm and the Garden Bar staff were shaking up a veritable tornado of cocktails in this pastel and plant filled oasis. Next we ventured to the Bowie Rooms where Tyrone Noonan enchanted on guitar. This appeared to be a clear favourite room with guests. 

Heading downstairs I put Matt in The Naughty Corner, before we checked out The Garden Bar, where a crowd was beginning to gather and dance. At the Los Cabos inspired 400 Rabbits we were warmly greeted by the effervescent manager who showed us around his Mexican themed bar. We loved the green volcanic tiled bar tables where we  sat for a while and mingled with other guests, including music writer and comedian Thomas Bleach who was with singer Ellen Read and Matt from Suncoast Fresh. Here was another DJ, a piano in the corner and cactus and agave themed murals. They have an extensive tequila and cocktail menu and yummy Mexican food. We loved this warm atmosphere and though there was a range of frozen margaritas , think refreshing watermelon, summer mango and strawberry kiss, I opted for the classic Margarita, which was one of the best I’ve had for ages.

 Tempting as it was to stay, more adventures beckoned, and we moved on through The Prince Consort and down the back stairs past the giant Mousetrap game and fire twirlers into the darkened bowels of Greaser. We loved it here! Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles adorned the walls and we stopped to sit for a while near the stage.

 First we were entertained by a slam poet before the band, Breakfast at Nan’s, took to the stage. They were good, very good, and we were treated to a private gig for a while as many of the guests had  not ventured this far down yet. I felt like a Nan sitting back in my cosy armchair and we did enjoy Greaser’s hospitality for quite a while. Before Nan fell asleep in her chair we headed back to 400 Rabbits where we ended the night in its soothing surrounds chatting to new friends and old mates.

By now the youngsters were dancing and hoarding their last rounds of drinks , so it was time for this writer to head home. I’m sure the party rocked on until the wee hours. Matt and I felt like we’d fallen down the rabbit hole and enjoyed a night of discovery right in our very own city. 

Thanks to Kath Rose and her team and General Manager, Jason Hirt for inviting the SheSociety team along to this gala extravaganza in a massive venue where you can choose your own adventure. We will be back again! I’m sure it will be a long time before Brisbane sees another event of this calibre. Head to The Prince Consort and surrounds for a truly whimsical and wonderful night on the town.

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