Old Brisbane laneway to become ‘Death and Taxes’ bar

The oldest laneway in Brisbane is about get a bit of TLC from one of the city’s more astute bar operators as he makes plans to open his fourth venue. But don’t expect it to be easy to find.

Martin Lange is opening a secret bar (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

THE oldest laneway in Brisbane is about get a bit of TLC from one of the city’s more astute bar operators.

Hospitality whiz Martin Lange hopes to open his fourth watering hole by late February in Burnett Lane, which dates from 1824 and has already made a name for itself in the CBD as a hotspot for drinks and dining.

Lange has dreamt up the memorable name “Death and Taxes’’ for his latest venture and it will have much in common with his other award-winning venues, Cobbler, Savile Row and Finney Isles.

Like those joints, “Death and Taxes” will have no signage alerting patrons to the heritage-listed space inside, which is at least 100 years old.

Martin Lange at his Savile Row bar. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

Lange told us yesterday that he’ll be installing a back bar to hold about 800 bottles of spirits, which has become a staple feature in all his venues.

The cocktail bar will have a capacity of just 100 patrons, who will be able to source a feed from a new tapas eatery expected to open next door.

Joining him in the project is Blake Ward, a one-time business partner who used to own the now-defunct Sling Bar with Lange in the West End.