Woodland Bar, Brisbane, Australia - Review
When was the last time you stopped in at a Texan ranch to grab a bite and a beer - oh
, you haven't? Well, ma'am, grab your purse and head on down to the Woodland tavern.Situated ominously down a dark laneway, first impressions of this new hidey-hole will summon the Alice in you. Well, it may be too dark to follow any stray rabbits but all that fun-sounding hype around the corner will do just fine. Take a sharp right on Mclachlan Street just before you reach the Alhambra Lounge, because Coniston Lane is expecting your visit.
While the crowd of rather hip youngsters gathered in the smoking area out front have you loosening the grip on your wallet, given the small creepy stroll you just had to take, the security guards will point you upstairs to the real fun.
What can I say - the first thing that went through my mind on entry was 'Woodland certainly has a lot of wood.' I suppose that makes this scene easy - if you're not into polished dance floors, vintage wooden fixtures, a dramatically glossy, oak bar and slightly private, smooth wooden booths, take your exit. Otherwise, this place has a comfy, homely feel. It's basically your local pub, but a lot more exciting, and a whole lot better looking.
While the whole Americana theme sounds out of place, the designers have made it work. Moose heads, oversized lights and landscape watercolours in a bunch of mismatched frames seem to be the illusion that halts any pretentious behaviour. It's like you're in Nanna's lounge room, where everything is ancient and none of her knick-knacks make much sense. But it doesn't matter because you can put your feet up and she won't mind.
The staff seem to mesh with this relaxed vibe and don't give you that cold, semi-stressed attitude that can result from a busy Saturday night and a drink line that makes you cringe. Because guess what? This place has actually hired enough bartenders to prevent that from ever happening. Genius!
It's like dominoes. Because the bar staff are nice, and there are no angry lines, and you are bound to be graced with more than one track from The Smiths and even some Bowie, the folk that gather here are ridiculously friendly. They are chatty and their outfits are just as loud - but pleasingly offbeat. I caught glimpses of fantastic hats, bow ties, swishy rockabilly skirts, a pink care-bear outfit and other kitschy-but-cool accessories. People here just want to have fun.
When every weekend promising a generous mixture of live music and renowned DJ's, that fun is more or less included. Entry is usually free but if a particularly excellent show has been organised, it will be a flat rate of $5 after 10pm.
On one occasion the Woodland Bar supplied large plates of delicious doughnuts and asked patrons to dig in, to their obvious delight. On another, I received sporadically discounted drinks. If this doesn't get you in, at least go to see the wall hangings... they really are something. Seriously laid back, bubbly, and full of surprises, hats off to Woodland for opening with a bang. You will be forever 'curiouser and curiouser' if you don't give this one a try.
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