The Gresham, located in Brisbane, is a pretty storied bar in terms of the city's history, lodged in a building that was once truly representative of Queensland's architectural beauty. Designed in 1881 for the Queensland National Bank by Francis Drummond Greville (FDG), this building is an elaborate example of Palladian influence, with Murphy's Creek sandstone, New Zealand limestone, and local cedar joinery giving expression to craftsmanship from another era. Imported from the United Kingdom, it is a touch of historical grandeur that merely makes The Gresham alive with Brisbane's past.
Going into The Gresham is going into the past, though this concept of drinks by the bar is anything but antiquated. With curated selections of top-tier rums, whiskeys, and wines, complemented by innovative cocktails, it boasts a raft of beverages that reflect a progressive palate. It prides itself on handpicking only the best spirits and tuning in to modern trends without blindly following the crowd. Here, tradition meets innovation: the joints hold an old-world charm, while there is a truly modern appreciation for craft drinks.
The Gresham has no dress code, only an attitude policy, which opens its doors to a wide clientele that ensures every visit is bustling with energy and eclectic flair. That's its ethos: everyone's welcome into its special blend of heritage and hospitality. Service is old-school in flavor but about keeping folks comfortable and making memories, whether they're a spirits aficionado or just looking for somewhere different to drink a really great cocktail.
The name of the bar is taken from the Gresham Hotel, one of the many landmarks in Brisbane's past. Built in 1890, the hotel was a marvelous structure containing 77 rooms, constructed in local materials, and boasting an elegant bar and dining areas. The Gresham Hotel was one of the first buildings in Brisbane to be fitted with electricity, thus contributing to early modernization efforts in the city. Even though the original hotel was lost in the cataclysmic flood of 1974, its legacy lives on in today's facility, perpetuating this spirit within its walls.
One will find more at The Gresham than a drink: an invitation to immerse oneself in Brisbane's history. Above the front bar, the portrait of Edward Robert Drury, an influential figure in banking and military matters, reminds one of the storied past of the building. Tales about the "Battle of Brisbane" and toughness hurled at the original Gresham Hotel still seem to hang in the air, even now, inviting guests to delve into the storyline of city heritage with some of the finest spirits on offer.
