Owner of new Brisbane wine bar talks about why he opened during a pandemic

The owner of a new flashy Brisbane wine bar talks candidly about the emotional toll and “sleepless nights” after opening his business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE owner of a flashy new Brisbane wine bar has opened up about the emotional stress and “sleepless nights” that have come with opening a new business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mark Woodward, along with a business partner, were all set to launch Barrels and Stills, a venue which features a classy upstairs bar among many other things, in Woolloongabba before Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduced new laws due to the coronavirus the night before their doors were set to open.

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“Our reaction to the outbreak was disappointing as we had decided to open on the Monday and the Prime Minister spoke on Sunday night and it really dampened our spirits,” Mr Woodward said.

Inside Barrels & Stills, which was recently launched at Woolloongabba.

But the pair decided to open the bottle shop component on the launch date and have been met with a good response.

“This has been really challenging starting a new business and with everything going on, we hopefully can remain open and trading,” Mr Woodward said.

“Customers have been extremely happy with our concept and are embracing the diversity of the range in the shop.

“We are always looking to adapt and change in these challenging times, emotionally it has been hard not knowing where the next dollar is coming from.

“Sleepless nights are commonplace with this industry but most people in this industry are passionate and hopefully we will survive long into the future.

Barrels & Stills launched at Woolloongabba.

“We are a lifestyle store specialising in wine, beer, cider and spirits, but we also sell ceramics, soap, candles, books and a range of local produce such as eggs, milk, artisan bread and take home meals.

“We also have built a bar upstairs and people can enjoy a nice glass of wine with a selection of cheese boards. Menu is limited but quality is our main focus with up-market toasted sandwiches, vegan cheese board, dumplings, cured meats and many more items.”

While Mr Woodward said their focus had been getting through the currently challenging business climate, they were still hopeful they would be able to move forward with more plans in the near future.

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“We want to get the bar open upstairs and start doing some little events on wine education, food and wine matching, master classes and guest chef appearances,” he said.

“Our website is almost finished and we will be starting home deliveries

“We would love people to stop by and have a look at what we have created in Woolloongabba, we believe there is nothing like this in Queensland.”

The bar is located on 54 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba and is open from 10am-10pm.

For more visit barrelsandstills.com.au.