Topless waitresses, d-floor, street art: See inside unique venue arriving on night-life strip

A mum of four, has opened her own night-life precinct in Toowoomba’s CBD, with two unique venues in one space. Here’s everything you need to know.

Two unique venues in one space are set to open for the first time this weekend, with the owner’s vision to bring new life to the eastern end of Russell St.

After years of being a stay at home mum to her four sons, Bel Harman decided it was time to focus on her career and began working as the general manager of Toowoomba’s adult entertainment club The Vault.

Envy on Russell venue manager Trin Foster (left) and owner Bel Harman. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Now after 18 months in the role, the 44-year-old is set to open her own venue Envy on Russell – a destination near The Vault, which she believes may create a new night-life strip in that area of the CBD.

The site at 12 Russell St will welcome patrons to two separate venues called Envy and Lust.

Complete with green walls and gold interiors, black leather couches and a vinyl street art feature wall, Envy offers a nightclub location with a spacious dance floor, bar and DJ booth.

Meanwhile, Lust is catered to patrons seeking a “more relaxed” vibe, with plenty of seating and topless waitresses serving drinks every Saturday.

The Lust room of Envy on Russell. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It will mark the first time in about a decade since Toowoomba has had a venue with topless waitresses – a service previously available at The Fiveways Hotel.

“I wanted to do something different and I think (our topless waitresses) will be a real drawcard,” Ms Harman said.

“The idea is to offer a venue with two different spaces in one, so patrons can start and end their night in the same place.

“It feels like you’re stepping into a nightclub in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, and I know from managing The Vault, we don’t get a lot of foot traffic down this end, so we’re hoping to change that.”

Envy on Russell owner Bel Harman. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Inspired by her business-minded brother who runs his own security company, Ms Harman said he had encouraged her to pursue the venture and was grateful for his support.

With Toowoomba branded as one of the state’s most conservative towns, Ms Harman said she understood not everyone would embrace the topless waitress concept, but felt confident the unique twist would appeal to some patrons.

“The world is changing and becoming more progressive and I think that’s a good thing, but I completely understand this won’t be for everyone,” she said.

“Before I started working at The Vault, I (had perceptions) about the industry, but it’s actually not anything like what I expected and it’s a great place to work.”

Travis Dunn, Nick Johnston and Wal Brown with topless waitress Mandy at the Fiveways Hotel in 2010. Picture: Dave Noonan

The space has been home to several nightclubs since the early ‘80s, including Caesar’s Palace, Durans and Tombas, Agenda and since 2017 and up until October this year, Society.

This weekend the venue will officially open on Saturday at 9pm.

While operating hours may change, Envy on Russell will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from next weekend.