Mark Woodward’s Barrels and Stills lifestyle expands to Brisbane’s inner-east

Meet the wine connoisseur who is bringing “good drops to the suburbs” after expanding his high-end lifestyle to a rejuvenated suburb in Brisbane’s inner-east.

Mark Woodward from Barrels and Stills.

Meet the wine connoisseur who is bringing “good drops to the suburbs” after expanding his high-end lifestyle to a rejuvenated suburb in Brisbane’s inner-east.

Mark Woodward, who launched Barrels and Stills lifestyle store and wine bar at Woolloongabba during the Covid-19 pandemic, is just weeks away from opening his second venue.

Same name but this time, instead of a wine bar, it will be a lifestyle shop and bottle shop at 2-119 Riding Rd, Hawthorne with a range featuring quality wine, whisky and providore.

Mr Woodward, who ran venues across Melbourne before moving to Brisbane, said he hoped to open the doors within two weeks.

“I have been looking in and around the Hawthorne area for a suitable site for around the past two years,” he said.

The new Barrels & Stills wine bar opening at Hawthorne.

“This location was just perfect, in a good spot, right across from the Morningside Panthers Football Club, with good landlords which is extremely important these days and just in a great spot.”

Mr Woodward said the shop will be open from 10am to 8pm, seven days per week.

The new Barrels & Stills wine bar opening at Hawthorne.

“(The shop) will have an emphasis on quality products and service with cheese, jams, biscuits, books and charcuterie,” he said.

“We will also conduct tastings out of the mezzanine area moving forward.”

But the wine lover is not done – with plans well and truly in the making for more venues across Brisbane in the coming years.

“I probably am planning to open another two venues within the next two years around the city,” Mr Woodward said.

“My aim is to bring some good drops to the suburbs.”