The three-martini lunch hasn’t been popular since the ’60s, when marketing executives claimed it helped them “get the creative juices flowing”. Now, one Brisbane bar is hoping to bring it back (good luck convincing your boss).

The Inchcolm Bar has launched a Three Martini Lunch, which will run every Friday and Saturday in May as part of American Express delicious. Month Out.

The martini is making a comeback across Australia, with The Inchcolm Bar at the Ovolo in Spring Hill leading the charge in Brisbane. Ovolo Inchcolm’s general manager, Glenn Thomas, says: “While there are really nice cocktail bars in Brisbane, the Inchcolm Bar is the only one here that is a martini bar. It ties in nicely with the history of the hotel.”

Before opening in 2021, The Inchcolm was a grand home built for noted physician and scientist Dr John Thompson and his socialite wife Marie Jean in the 1880s. Marie Jean enjoyed a martini or two, and loved serving them to her elegant guests at their regular soirees.

Glenn Thomas adds, “Creating a martini bar was an homage to Marie Jean and Dr Thompson. These martinis are refined and sophisticated. They pair quite nicely with what we are serving”.

Considering the strength of the drink, it’s important to have a proper meal alongside it, hence the two-course set menu.

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Executive chef Christina Delgado’s martini-friendly menu focuses on French bistro classics, with plenty of substantial offerings to help line the stomach. Entrees include steak tartare, escargot in garlic butter and chicken liver parfait. For the perfect pairing, the freshly shucked oysters with lemon and mignonette dressing come recommended, as they work well with the clean, minerally flavours of the martini.

Do as the marketing execs do and order yourself a steak for main – but perhaps don’t charge it to the company account. The Inchcolm’s version is an eye fillet with Paris mash, braised onions and a rich Madeira jus.

Other options include a pumpkin and sage ravioli, Moreton Bay bug pasta and barbecued spatchcock with chimichurri. The Inchcolm has shaken up their standard martini for the special lunch, putting a unique twist on each drink.

The first martini to arrive is the Cucumber Rose, infused with cucumber, elderflower and rosewater. Next up, the Martini Limon is a classic gin martini with a dash of limoncello, inspired by the twist of lemon garnish. To finish, the slightly sweet Spring Hill martini is topped up with a fruity splash of peach bitters and cherry brandy.

Where: The Inchcolm Bar by Ovolo, 73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill
When: Lunch Fridays and Saturdays in May from noon-3pm
Price: $59
Inclusion: Two courses and three martinis.

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