With a second, or third, signature martini in hand, you might be forgiven for expecting to turn around and see Hemmingway and the Fitzgeralds debating in a quiet, dimly lit corner of Brisbane’s curious new bar.

Stepping into The Inchy may feel like you’ve hopped continents and landed in a Parisian drinking hole, but it also offers a spot of time travel. Sitting above award-winning boutique hotel The Incholm by Ovolo in Spring Hill, The Inchcolm Bar pays tribute to a bygone (but not forgotten) golden age when well-made martinis were the order of the day and drinking was an artform.  

Choose between eleven expertly executed martinis, including ‘The Inchcolm Martini’ that sees fennel-infused dry vermouth, olive juice and orange bitters at play together – alongside a sophisticated selection of spirits, fine wines and the usual suspects on offer behind the bar.

The food menu reads like a Parisian bistro-meets-wine-bar’s – albeit one that’s been given a gentle Australian tweak. Accompany your choice of tipple with a plate of escargot served with fresh baguette, oysters and caviar, chicken liver paté or perhaps steak tartare with a side of Paris mash. Then, slip into something more comfortable with larger plates featuring heartening repasts: Southern fried chicken, The Inchy Burger and a Moreton Bay bug spaghetti. And let’s not forget the toasties for a more casual affair, including The ‘Reuben’ with slow-cooked silverside, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and Russian dressing. Then there’s the sweets: think crème caramel with a macadamia crumb and seasonal berries – giving you further excuse to linger longer into the evening. 

And, it would be remiss of us not to mention that each day from 5.30pm-6.30pm marks $12 martini hour.

The building’s neo-Georgian design (dating back to the 1800s) has been celebrated by the design of Hassell, resident Art Curator Lisa Fehily and stylist Anna Roberts – who’s responsible for that captivating Cabinet of Curiosities. 

Soft light is cast by brassy lamps that illuminate marble tabletops, drinks are poured in 1920s-inspired crystal glassware complete with gold swizzle sticks and deep-jade-coloured chairs furnish the polished space. 

The Inchcolm Bar is now open on 73 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill – book a table, or better yet, reserve yourself a comfortable bed to retire for the evening in the Ovolo below.

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