Maho Magic Bar serves up a magical taste of Tokyo at South Brisbane

From the streets of Tokyo to a pop-up bar in South Bank comes a quirky combo of magic and mixology, served juggled, not stirred, by the best “flair bartender” in the world.

Risa Akamine (Comet) from Maho Magic Bar by Broad Encounters pictured at the Maritime Museum, South Bank. Picture: Josh Woning

Step out of Brisbane and into the streets of Tokyo at one of South Bank’s newest entertainment pop-ups.

Serving up drinks prepared by the world number one female “flair bartender” and “sleight-of-hand mixologist” Comet (Risa Akamine), the Maho Magic Bar at the Martime Museum is a must-see experience.

Guests can enjoy an hour-long immersive bar experience, complete with table-side, close-up magic, expertly crafted cocktails and performances by Comet herself.

The concept of magic and booze pairing is incredibly popular in Japan, says Maho Magic Bar Creator Kirsten Siddle, and involves tricks like juggling combined with expert bartending skills

“In Japan there are magic bars, essentially like a small bar, a salon bar and magicians perform close up magic,” Siddle said.

“Maho is essentially a foreigner’s, my, homage to Japan and my love for Japan.”

“It's like a perfect crazy night out in one of Japan’s entertainment capitals.”

Siddle has combined this quirky bar concept with another popular Japanese trend, that is flair bartending, which involves experienced and creative bartenders performing their creations, with tricks like juggling, and Comet is the top of her field.

“She’s (Comet) won best female flair bartender in the world this year,” Siddle said.

“But, this isn’t the first time she’s won, she has actually been crowned the best several times.”

The Maho Magic Bar is an installation by Broad Encounters and is accompanying the eerie, thrilling shipping container Darkfield experiences, Flight and Seance.

The bar will be open until December 8.