The Inchcolm Bar is an alluring sanctuary to explore and the perfect hide-away for those who wish to escape. It is a world away from reality full of tiny treasures, eccentricities and eclectic art pieces that will satisfy even the most curious of curiosities.
Bringing back the golden age of dining to Brisbane with timeless classics and edible prescriptions. A carefully crafted drinks menu pays tribute to a bygone era when cocktails were clinically endorsed, martinis and spirits were king, and bartenders celebrated.
Think Gertrude Stein’s Paris salon, where Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, Banksy, Lennon and Bowie would comfortably rub shoulders while sharing trailblazing ideas and indulging in bar classics.
The Inchcolm Bar’s all-day dining menu sees rich and indulgent fare form approachable luxury, celebrating local produce that sings on the tastebuds and references the golden age of dining.
With nibbles to share alongside perfectly paired martinis, experience a selection of caviar served with house condiments, add a dozen oysters or take on the steak tartare – classic dishes for a classic boutique hotel.
Treat yourself to something more substantial with Moreton Bay Bug Tagliarini and Ricotta Gnocchi in a creamy mushroom ragu with truffle oil and pecorino. Not shy on the meat, opt for the Lamb Noisette with pumpkin gratin or the Eye Fillet with silky Paris mash.
While the Martini is, we would argue, perfection itself, the cocktail is not just the sum of its ingredients. The Martini simply would not be the same without its accompanying, iconic seductive silhouette of a glass – the thin stem, the beautifully engraved design, the delicate edge – you cannot deny the sophistication, style, and the that is the most perfect sip drink of all times. But how did this beautiful tipple come about? Surely it wasn’t invented solely to make James Bond famous?
The cocktail glass was originally developed not because of aesthetics but because of practicality. Likely dating to the late 19th century, the vessel suits cocktails that are “served up”. The lengthy stem and separated bowl mean that the cocktail is not warmed up too much by the drinker’s hands, as there’s no added ice to ensure it stays chilled.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the Martini glass came to be distinct from the cocktail glass. As Martinis must be served frosty cold, the long stem further ensures that the cocktail isn’t warmed up too quickly. The widened brim was also invented to best benefit the gin. The greater exposure to air helps the spirit to open up & the steeply sloping sides help to support our famous In-house pickle fennel olives or Liqueur Cherries.
To this day, the exact origins of the Martini glass are hazy, however our story and connection to the Martini is to the late wife of the original owner of Inchcolm, Marie Jean Thompson a well-known Brisbane socialite of the 1910’s & 20’s. The Martini was not only Marie Jean most popular tipple, but it was also such a coveted drink of her affluent and most extravagant of parties.
The Signature Martini hour is a unique experience of The Inchcolm Bar in tribute to Marie Jean Thomson. Shelter in the comfortable velvety surrounds with the Martini Hour – 5:30pm-6:30pm daily – with five martinis to choose from. Relax and unwind without standing out.
Think Gertrude Stein’s Paris salon, where Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, Banksy, Lennon and Bowie would comfortably rub shoulders while sharing trailblazing ideas and indulging and sipping on Martinis.
Libations continue with wine and a selection of spirits including gin, vodka, mezcal, whisky and, rum, or beer and cider for something less sinful. A speakeasy-esque backdrop to whet your whistle in plush boutique lounge surrounds, where you can pass your evening by with late night decadence over intimate conversations.
Constructed in 1880 by Dr John Thomson, a pioneering surgeon, The Inchcolm was then redeveloped 20 years later into a medical practice where Dr Thompson treated the likes of patients such as General Douglas MacArthur, the American General who came to Brisbane to take command of the Pacific War against the Japanese.
Dr Thompson and his socialite wife Marie would welcome their patients into their practice and home in truly 20’s fashion- with generous helpings of swing jazz and sweet vermouth. The history is deeply ingrained within its walls today with you needing but to ask the team to recount some of the famous tales of the mystifying lodge and be entertained for hours on end with tales of the past or opt for a ride in the original Otis lift built in New York in 1928.
With ample and diverse spaces, The Inchcolm is the perfect venue to take advantage of a cosy spot to unwind, relax, and enjoy a bone-dry martini in solitude or to host soiree big or small.
The Parlour is our captivating private dining space, originally was used extensively in the days of Dr. John Thomson. We invite you to impress your guests in this space whether it be exclusive dinner to an intimate wedding.
Sip and Munch away from the comfort of your bed! Enjoy In-Room Dining around the clock when you stay with us ;)
OPENING HOURS
Breakfast
Monday to Friday – 7am to 10am
Saturday & Sunday – 8am to 11am
Public Holidays – 8am to 11am
Bar Service & Dining:
Monday to Sunday – 3pm to 9pm
Easter Weekend & Anzac Day – 5pm to 9pm
Martini Lunch
Friday & Saturday – 12pm to 3pm
Easter Weekend & Anzac Day – Not available
High Tea
Sunday – 12pm to 4pm
Easter Weekend & Anzac Day – Not available
Martini Hour & Canapes
Monday to Sunday – 5:30pm to 6:30pm
