Dutch Courage Officers' Mess

Dutch Courage Officer’s Mess brings a touch of the 19th century British colonies to the hip Fortitude Valley Constance St precinct and is just the ticket for a late night cocktail or gin safari.

Carved out of the base of a modern office tower, the cavernous high-ceilinged bar consists of a downstairs drinking lounge of potted tropical palms and ferns, safari memorabilia and replica cane chairs of the type that were transportable by ship from colony to colony.

Upstairs is a mezzanine floor come officer’s dining mess, with floor matting, under-lights, Raffles-style ceiling fans and stunning wallpaper. Here’s the place to tuck into Far East-themed share plates such as Malay pork dumplings, camel tenderloin, roast duck with stir-fry bok choy and cous cous, or crispy skin quail with five spice and mango chutney.

Delicious food aside, it’s the drinks that are at the forefront of attractions at Dutch Courage – cocktails such as rum and marmalade punch, mango lassi or, for an officer-sized thirst, a jug of vanilla and maple sangria. And for gin fans, ways to enjoy their fave drink every which way: with flavours of spicy, citrus or floral and with tonic, in a martini glass with vermouth, Spanish-style or in a delish nougat-infused gin cocktail. Or for the courageous, the in-house specialty Kopstootje.

As well, there’s more than enough spirits and liqueurs - roughly 240 - to help survive a stint in the colonies, and on weekends, there’s cool live music to keep the joint hopping.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

Check out our full list of Fortitude Valley bars HERE