Australia’s nightlife is set to shimmer with the announcement of The 86 Club’s national disco pop-up tour featuring four award-winning bartellers. The vibrant initiative, spearheaded by a quartet of bartenders known for their involvement in some of Brisbane and Sydney’s top bars, will recreate the iconic cocktail experiences of the 1980s with an inventive twist.
Andie Bulley of The Waratah, Blade Deegan from Maker, together with Liam Murphy and Martin McConnell, both from Frog’s Hollow Saloon, are the creative minds behind this initiative. They aim to evoke the lively spirit of the 70s and 80s with a curated blend of drinks backed by a vibrant soundtrack of house and disco music, harmonising each night to the local setting of the host venue. Along their tour, they will be collaborating with renowned brands such as Strangelove, Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s, Monkey Shoulder, Balvenie, De Kuyper, and Reyka Vodka.
The pop-up commenced its journey at Brisbane’s Savile Hysteria, a known local hotspot. From there, the itinerary includes stops in Adelaide’s Nightshade, Sydney’s Earl’s Juke Joint, and concludes at Misfits in Melbourne. Each venue is selected to complement the nostalgic and exuberant theme of The 86 Club – blending club night vibrancy with sophisticated cocktail crafting.
Offering insight into the tour’s philosophy, the group stated, “The 86 Club is based on the idea of ’86’ – a hospitality term indicating that something is no longer available. Similarly, we want our guests to leave their worries at the door and dive into the full flair of the disco era.”
In Adelaide, the event will be held at Nightshade on Sunday, July 28, from 8pm to 12am, promising an evening of memorable drinks and dance. This will be followed by the Sydney event at Earl’s Juke Joint on Sunday, August 4, and the tour will wrap up in Melbourne at Misfits on Sunday, September 1, with the same hours.
These pop-up events are more than just nights out; they’re a revival of a cultural era, presented through the lens of modern cocktail artistry and the pulsing beats of disco and house music. All events on the tour offer free entry, inviting everyone to partake in the throwback celebration.
The 86 Club not only aims to recreate the iconic cocktails of the 80s but also to create an atmosphere that pays homage to the past while showcasing the progressiveness of contemporary bartending skills. It is a chance for enthusiasts to experience the quintessence of an era that famously celebrated diversity and inclusivity, with each night crafted to provide a unique escape into the world of disco and cocktails.
WHAT: The 86 Club comes to Adelaide
WHEN: July 28th, 8pm-midnight
WHERE: Nightshade
MORE INFO: https://www.instagram.com/theeightysixclub/
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