Australian nightlife is set to come alive with the announcement of 86 Club’s national pop-up disco tour featuring four award-winning bartenders. The dynamic initiative, led by a quartet of bartenders known for their involvement in some of Brisbane and Sydney’s best bars, will recreate iconic 1980s cocktail experiences with an inventive twist.
Andie Bulley of The Waratah, Blade Deegan of Maker, and Liam Murphy and Martin McConnell, both of Frog’s Hollow Saloon, are the creative minds behind the initiative. They aim to evoke the vibrant spirit of the 70s and 80s with a carefully selected blend of drinks, accompanied by a vibrant soundtrack of house and disco music, harmonizing each night with the local décor of the venue. Throughout their tour, they will collaborate with renowned brands such as Strangelove, Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s, Monkey Shoulder, Balvenie, De Kuyper and Reyka Vodka.
The pop-up began its journey at local favourite Savile Hysteria in Brisbane. From there, the itinerary includes stops at Adelaide’s Nightshade, Sydney’s Earl’s Juke Joint and ends at Melbourne’s Misfits. Each venue is selected to complement 86 Club’s nostalgic and exuberant theme, combining the vibrancy of club nights with sophisticated cocktail creations.
The band explained the philosophy of the tour: “The 86 Club is based on the idea of ’86’, a term of hospitality that indicates that something is no longer available. In the same way, we want our guests to leave their worries at the door and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the disco era.”
In Adelaide, the event will be held at Nightshade on Sunday 28 July from 8pm to midnight, promising a memorable evening of cocktails and dancing. It will be followed by the Sydney event at Earl’s Juke Joint on Sunday 4 August, and the tour will conclude in Melbourne at Misfits on Sunday 1 September, at the same times.
These pop-up events are more than just nights out: they represent the revival of a cultural era, presented through the prism of modern cocktail art and the pulsating rhythms of disco and house music. All events on the tour offer free admission, inviting everyone to join in this celebration of a throwback.
The 86 Club aims to not only recreate the iconic cocktails of the 80s, but also create an atmosphere that pays homage to the past while showcasing the advancement of contemporary bar skills. It’s an opportunity for enthusiasts to experience the quintessence of an era that celebrated diversity and inclusion, with each night designed to offer a unique escape into the world of disco and cocktails.
WHAT: The 86 Club arrives in Adelaide
WHEN: July 28, 8 p.m.-midnight
OR: Black nightshade
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.instagram.com/theeightysixclub/
