From managing nightclubs to DJing, Dylan Jones has seen it all over his six-year hospitality career. Seeking a calmer lifestyle, Dylan decided to take his accumulated knowledge and open a venue of his own – one with more than a liberal sprinkling of his own tastes and inspirations. This change of career path also involved a shift in scenery, as Dylan geared up to leave New South Wales’ central coast in favour of the summery surrounds of Airlie Beach. It was at this point that Dylan came up with the concept for a pirate-inspired bar, blended with some gritty punk aesthetics to create a charming and comfortable venue that was tastefully rough around the edges. When progress on securing a spot in Airlie Beach hit a dead end, Dylan turned his attention back southward, scoping out Brisbane’s scene for another suitable location for his vision. A hole-in-the-wall space on Wickham Street (former home to Bao Down Now and The Gig) proved ideal, and soon Dylan was putting his stamp on what would become Jolly Roger.

Dylan overhauled the venue, giving it a paint job with a dark colour palette, paired with candles, greenery, screens playing old black-and-white cartoons, and comfortable vintage furniture sourced from Melbourne. Portions of the venue’s walls double as canvases for street art, with the first mural lathered on by locals Liam Matsen and LUMA (expect more artwork to appear over the coming months). Although the term ‘punk bar’ conjures images of stark and intimidating interiors, Jolly Roger is cosy and comfortable, offering a welcoming respite from the bustle of Wickham Street. Like any pirate-inspired bar should, Jolly Roger is amply stocked with a growing collection of rums. These labels filter into the bar’s cocktail list, which sits alongside Jolly Roger’s collection of local craft beers and wines.

Jolly Roger will be officially celebrating its opening this Friday March 29. For location details and opening hours, check out the Stumble Guide.