The Gresham Bar

The Gresham Bar is Brisbane’s most ambient old world bar, tucked away in a corner of the heritage listed National Australia Bank on the edge of Gresham Lane.

Inside, The Gresham Bar is like a mix of London gentleman’s club and New York cigar bar, with soaring 7m-high pressed metal ceilings, Chesterfield couches, Victorian fireplaces, lamps and original dark floorboards.

Divided into two rooms, the main bar, which still contains the bank’s old drop safe by the entrance, is the bourbon room and the other is a more formal library-like lounge with a piano, gilt mirror, more couches, ceiling to floor curtains and a stunning wooden wall unit commissioned by the owners. And for summer evening drinks there’s a charming little wraparound terrace with lace iron patio chairs overlooking the laneway outside.

The unique nature of The Gresham Bar permeates the upmarket drinks list with the most extensive range of rye whiskeys and bourbons to be found in Brisbane, many of which you won’t find anywhere else.

Similarly the short but sharp cocktail list features must-tries like the Gresham Lane – a kiddult’s dream and alcoholic spider of rye bourbon, cherry cola and ice-cream.

Need to know: From 7-11 on weekday mornings the coffee machine cranks up to offer city workers a Black Lab Coffee – takeaway from the back window or to hang out and enjoy in the luxury of the bourbon room.