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Mustang Bar becomes Woolly Mammoth Alehouse

Natascha Mirosch

Mammoth venture: Lachlan Bird pictured with some of the 31 beer taps.
Mammoth venture: Lachlan Bird pictured with some of the 31 beer taps.Supplied

We don't party like we used to says Lachlan Bird, owner of long-loved West End bistro Lock & Load.

Bird is transforming the old Mustang Bar in Ann Street in the Valley into a craft beer bar and entertainment venue called Woolly Mammoth Alehouse.

"The party bar/nightclub model doesn't fit in the modern market," Bird says. "People just don't go out on Friday and Saturday nights just to get sideways any more."

It's no small job transforming the old party venue. The bar is 1200 square metres and consists of three areas, including a band room for 400, and a garden bar with astroturf, indoor bocce and giant Jenga.

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"The idea is to have national and international music acts but also entertainment in different formats like comedy and burlesque," Bird says.

He has taken on the services of designer Alexander Lotersztain who's been responsible for venues such as Alfred & Constance and Depo.

"We went looking for a bespoke design element that would fit with our vision. We wanted a beer hall, but in a contemporary rather than rustic way and Alex understood that. He's got a great reputation and is very eclectic, so there will be surprises in every corner."

Bird says beers will be "gateway" craft beers from Australia and New Zealand.
"We want to introduce people to craft beer by offering them something just off from what they would normally drink, rather than alienate them with beers that are right out there, although with 31 taps, which I think is the most of any venue in Australia, we do have enough taps to offer some of those too."

Beer education classes and tastings are also on the cards, under the tutelage of Brisbane-based beer writer Matt Kirkegaard.

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Bird, a former chef, says that the food offering is designed to complement the beer. "We have a huge space and a very small kitchen, so it's going to be counter rather than table service, with beer bites like flash fried peppers with smoked salt, La Cuca sardines, cured meats, and pizza ... there will also be a few main items like pork knuckle and braised short ribs."

The upstairs section of Woolly Mammoth is slated to open on Tuesday, September 9 in time for Big Sound music festival, with the rest of the venue to follow later in the month.

Woolly Mammoth Alehouse is at 633 Ann Street, Brisbane, woollymammoth.com.au.

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