Pawn & Co takes over former Laruche nightclub in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley

Brisbane is set for a new nightclub – one with a huge difference. TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

Renders of the new Pawn & Co nightclub in Fortitude Valley.

Brisbane is set to welcome a wacky pawn shop-themed nightclub where everything is for sale – even the club itself.

Pawn & Co will take over the former site of popular bar Laruche in Fortitude Valley and will act as a pawn shop, nightclub, bar, entertainment venue, perfumery, nail salon and corporate event space all in one.

Renders of the new Pawn & Co Fortitude Valley site Picture Supplied

The kooky concept is the brainchild of long-time club promoters Josh Lefers, Stephen Wools and Steve Thomas, who run a venue of the same name in Melbourne, and wanted to create an adult playground.

“People like things above alcohol and music, they want an experience and it’s going to be one of the most immersive experiences around” Mr Lefers said.

The Vault of Curiosities at Pawn & Co.

The 450sq m venue will be split over two levels, with a perfumery on the ground floor where patrons can try and buy a signature scent, or even enjoy a cocktail degustation with paired perfumes.

Renders of the new Pawn & Co Fortitude Valley site Picture Supplied

There will also be a mini automated nail salon offering temporary nail art, alongside vending machines, games and an outdoor cocktail garden.

The club will feature one of Brisbane’s best nightclub fit-outs.

The space will also boast another two bars, a kitchen for snack-style bites, and dancefloors, which will feature a rotating line-up of some of the best local and international DJs.

Patrons of the former Larchue nightclub won’t recognise the new venue.

Mr Lefers said the group had been scouring the world for highly unique and in-demand inventory, from the coolest new gadgets and gizmos to collectable items such as Elvis Presley’s jumpsuit, the first Rolex ever created and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress.

The club will featured a curated collection of curiosities including everything from Elvis Presley’s jumpsuit to the first Rolex ever created.

“It won’t be bric-a-brac … everything will be really curated,” he said, tipping items to sell for up to $1m.

And in a cheeky play on the pawn theme – even the 250-300-pax club itself will be for sale – but for a hefty price, of course.

“We’re aiming to be the most interesting club in the world – this really fascinating and wonderful space that really opens up people’s curiosity” Mr Lefers said.

Mr Lefers said the venue would be particularly targeted at the corporate market who would be able to create bespoke experiences for their guests or employees.

Pawn & Co is tipped to open in May.

■ 2000+ photos: Qld’s ultimate nightclub flashback gallery

Originally published as Pawn & Co takes over former Laruche nightclub in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley