First look inside new Varsity Lakes gin bar - and it’s dog friendly

Sip pink gin surrounded by antiques at a stunning new Varsity Lakes bar opening this weekend. And you can even bring your furry friends. SEE THE PICTURES

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GOLD Coast gin distiller WildFlower will open its cellar doors to the public from Saturday, unveiling a new bar for fans of the spirit – and their pets.

The WildFlower gin team toast to the distillery’s newest venture.

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Founder James Greig said, while a watering hole wasn’t in the original plan for the Varsity Lakes gin manufacturer, he was buoyed by the success of their private tastings and workshops.

The dog-friendly space invites drinkers to sink into antique leather chairs – gin in hand – surrounded by vintage collectables including typewriters, old-school phones, a piano and a very distinctive chandelier.

Follow founder James Greig’s example and bring your four-legged sidekick along.

“Our offering has always been gin making classes and gin tasting sessions by appointment only so we can’t wait to open the doors to a venue that offers something unique for people who love gin,” Mr Greig said.

“We wanted to make a space that feels personal and spoke to the heart of WildFlower so we included a range of fascinating vintage items to represent the individual botanicals in our gin, as well as the 1000 litre still we use when creating our gin.

WildFlower Gin Distillery at Varsity Lakes opens its cellar doors to the public from March 13

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“One of my favourite pieces is the chandelier, which is an old rim from an original Ford Model T that is more than 100 years old and used to hang in the living room of my house growing up.”

Known for creating limited-editions gins and even vodkas, including a lamington tipple for Australia Day, WildFlower’s bar will showcase their signature Pink Gin.

Sip signature cocktails at WildFlower’s cellar door.

“We have also created a signature cocktail that has been specifically curated and inspired by the Gold Coast’s distinctive flowers that our bees visit around the Burleigh area, creating a unique WildFlower flavour,” Mr Greig said.

WildFlower Gin Distillery is at 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes.

Gin fans can still book in for tastings and workshops at WildFlower’s headquarters.