the walrus club Archives

Global Cocktail Bar Death & Co. Chooses Toowong for First Brisbane Venue

Acclaimed US cocktail institution Death & Co. has selected Toowong for its first-ever Brisbane bar, announcing it will take over the subterranean space beneath the Regatta Hotel.

The celebrated bar, which first established itself as a New York City institution, will begin serving patrons in Brisbane later this summer. Its arrival is part of a wider Australian expansion, which includes a Melbourne venue set to begin operating in November. The move into Australia is a collaboration with the major hospitality group Australian Venue Co.

A New Era for a Familiar Space

For many locals, the most exciting detail is the venue’s location. The new cocktail bar is currently taking shape in the space beneath the Regatta Hotel, a spot previously home to The Walrus Club. This signals a significant new chapter for the popular Toowong landmark, bringing a different style of world-class service to the riverside community.

From East Village to Brisbane River

Death & Co. first made its name in Manhattan’s East Village in late 2006, quickly building a reputation for its creative team and commitment to quality. The brand’s philosophy focuses on restoring a sense of class and flavour to the specialty cocktail, aiming to create exceptional experiences for its patrons. While it has since grown with venues in Los Angeles, Denver, and Washington D.C., the company states its deep desire to be a centre for its communities has remained.

To ensure this standard is met in Queensland, newly hired Australian managers recently completed extensive training in the United States. This preparation aims to faithfully recreate the brand’s well-known service style and philosophy.

What to Expect

Once operating, the Toowong team will serve the brand’s iconic signature drinks, including the Naked & Famous and the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Patrons can also look forward to a range of new menu additions that have been created with local inspiration. Community members are advised to watch for more details as the summer launch approaches.

Published Date 23-October-2025

Stepping Back in Time: The Walrus Club, Hidden Speakeasy in Toowong

Photo Credit: The Walrus Club/ Facebook

Forget the hustle and bustle of the city centre because a hidden gem awaits discovery in the heart of Toowong. Concealed beneath the historic Regatta Hotel, The Walrus Club offers a unique drinking experience that transports patrons back to a bygone era.

This clandestine bar opened in 2012 and enjoyed a triumphant revival in 2022. It provides a welcome escape from the typical Brisbane bar scene.

The Walrus Club is far from your average pub. Taking its name and inspiration from the SS Walrus, a floating rum distillery that navigated Queensland’s rivers in the late 1800s, the establishment has cultivated a reputation for its extensive rum selection and expertly crafted cocktails. With close to 300 different spirits, it caters to even the most discerning palate.

The dedication to authenticity is evident in every detail, from the bartenders sporting vintage-style braces to the carefully curated jazz soundtrack and the antique furniture that adorns the space. The overall effect is an immersive experience that captures the spirit of a 1920s prohibition-era speakeasy.

Finding this hidden gem is an adventure in itself. Accessible only through a discreet black trapdoor located at the base of a staircase in a laneway behind the Regatta Hotel, The Walrus Club remains shrouded in secrecy. A small, almost invisible symbol at the top of the stairs is the sole indicator of its existence.

But The Walrus Club is more than just a bar; it’s a portal to the past. The dimly lit interior, with its exposed brickwork and intimate nooks, further enhances the feeling of stepping back in time. To complement the exquisite drinks, The Walrus Club offers a tempting menu of shared plates and gourmet pizzas.

Think crispy fish spring rolls with pickled cucumber, mozzarella-stuffed meatballs with Napoli sauce, and Walrus Wicked Wings with Memphis spice and blue cheese sauce.

For those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean, the mezze plate with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, marinated olives, and hummus is a must-try. With gluten-free pizza bases available, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.

The bar’s commitment to recreating the ambience of a 1920s speakeasy and its impressive drinks menu, delectable food offerings, and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

So, bypass the crowded city bars and venture to Toowong to uncover this suburban secret. You may become a regular.

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Published Date 09-October-2024

Enjoy Good Rum at The Walrus Club in Toowong

Step into a 1920-30’s prohibition at The Walrus Club in Toowong. Just underneath the Regatta Hotel, enter through the black cellar door and take in the richness of the place that is brimming with so much history forever frozen in the 1920s.

Mind you, the bar is very atmospheric despite its dimly lit rooms. It has quiet alcoves and corridors that emit a dark sense of belonging. Bricked archways add more personality to the bar. Vintage leather couches, barrels, crates and candelabras serve as the perfect adornment to keep the prohibition vibe going.

The bar gets its name from the SS Walrus, a floating rum distillery on a boat that journeyed through the Queensland rivers between 1869 and 1884.

Serving over 300 kinds of rums along with 30 different types of Cuban cigars, it’s heaven for rum-loving Brisbanites.

The house-spiced rum is truly a-must try even if you aren’t a fan of rum.

They also have a list of cocktails and craft beers that you can enjoy.

Also, you might want to take your date here for an interesting night.

Watch out for the tiny stencilled Walrus Club graffiti to lead you to the bar.