Brewski Bar, MBD to close in August due to downturn

One of Brisbane’s most beloved beer bars, which once had a visit from the German Chancellor, will call last drinks next month after 11 years with tough times blamed for the decision.

One of Brisbane’s most beloved beer bars, which once had a visit from the German Chancellor, will call last drinks next month after 11 years.

In a shock announcement on its Instagram page on the weekend, Brewski Bar in Caxton St and its basement cellar outlet MBD (My Beer Dealer) said it would serve their final customers in August.

But the four co-owners’ two other MBD outlets would continue trading.

“Beery peoples, it is with a heavy heart that we tell you we have made the very tough decision to close Brewski and MBD Caxton Street at the end of August,’’ the co-owners posted on Instagram.

“As well all know business is extra tough at the moment, our current lease had ended and despite our best efforts we were unable to reach an agreement with our landlord that made any financial sense to continue on.

“We’re still staying put in the beer game though.

“My Beer Dealer will live on with both our Eagle Junction and Morningside stores staying open, with a new store (hopefully) on the cards.’’

Co-owner of the Brewski Bar on Caxton Street, Antoinette Pollock. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Co-owner Antoinette Pollock said they had a great relationship with their landlord, who had offered to drop the rent.

But it was not enough to make it viable to sign on for two more five-year lease options.

“The rent on Caxton St is very high and it’s not the place it was when we opened almost 11 years ago,’’ she said.

“It was buzzing all the time but now it’s very quiet mid-week and even on weekends, although we had our best Magic Round ever.

“The Barracks is not what it used to be and we would get a lot of people coming in for a drink and a meal before a movie, or after.’’

Ms Pollock said they had always paid their suppliers and wanted to continue to do so.

“It was time to go. I’m feeling optimistic for the future. I know the journey is not finished for us,’’ she said.

“We want to be there for all the independents.’’

She said their two other bottleshops, opened during lockdown as a pivot, had always done well and were still trading well in the current tough environment where people were more reluctant to spend money on dining out.

She said staff had been informed and they hoped to retain most of them.

Ms Pollock said Queensland’s restrictive liquor laws, which forced even bottleshops owners to have a hotel license, were crushing independents and adding to their difficulties.

Opened in 2013, Brewski had a dozen rotating taps serving up 150-plus bottles, with MBD in its basement offering curated drinks including cocktails and 500 beers from sours to stouts.

It also served everything from traditional pub fare and burgers to bao and other treats.

Brewski hit the headlines in 2014 when German Chancellor Angela Merckel shared a beer with locals during the G20 summit.

In 2017, Brewski joined Gambaro Hotel and Fritzenberger in reducing opening hours to midnight closing because of the impact of ID scanning on the Caxton St strip.

Since then it has battled lockdown, lingering effects of the Caxton St safe night district restrictions, interest rate rises, inflation and staff shortages.

But despite all that it still drew the crowds, attracting a 4.5 star rating from Tripadvisor and top reviews on other sites.

Caxton Street Development Association spokesman Sarosh Mehta said he was greatly saddened to see such a popular venue close, particularly at a time when Caxton St drawcards such as LA Hotel, Lefty’s, Gambaro Hotel and the Caxton Hotel were rebounding from years of bad times.

MBD will close at Caxton St but outlets at Eagle Farm and Morningside will open.

“I always told people to look at what Brewski was doing. They had a strong client base and didn’t rely on big games for business,’’ he said.

“They were always popular, there was never any trouble with council or neighbours, the venue looked great, they had open mic nights and other events and it’s a great location, but it seems looks can be deceptive.

“My hope is the landlord will have another tenant in mind because we don’t want to see a for-lease sign again on Caxton St like we’ve had in the past.’’

Westside News understands one prospective lessee was being shown through today, July 8, while others have also expressed interest.

The Brewski owners said the toughest thing was not seeing their customers again.

“We could never have imagined the sense of community and friendship that was born within these walls,’’ they posted.

“For everyone that bought a beer, a burger, attended a silly event (Barleywine, anyone?), had a Tinder date, a mate date, read a book in the corner or celebrated a birthday or engagement with us, we can’t thank you enough for helping make our little beery dream come true.

“Stay tuned for farewell parties and events. And a few tears. And more silly big beers.

“Personally, of course, we’re devastated to close our baby but we’re also excited about new challenges and super proud to look back at all the amazing beers we have poured and all the amazing people we have met on our journey.’’