Adam Barton, Emmanuel Sakellerskis and Harlen Pointing of Drunken Monkey Group know a thing or two about running nightspots. With buzzing boozers like Brooklyn Standard, Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar and Fat Angel Sports Bar in the group’s portfolio, it’s safe to say they have a firm grasp on what people look for in their after-dark haunts. Superfly Disco, the group’s ambitious new 400-capacity nightclub, sees the group rolling the dice on a concept they haven’t tried before, venturing into the world of high-end nightclub hospitality. “It’s identity is pretty much the way nightclubs used to be,” said Adam when caught up with him back in August. “It’s a mash up, I suppose, between disco, 80s, 90s, current tunes – it’s almost Studio 54 in style, going in there and just having fun.” Here, the team has gone all out with the aim of crafting a truly multifaceted concept that caters to the footloose Friday-night crowds as well as those looking to splash out on a more premium party experience. Booths, bottle service, big magnums of champagne are all big parts of Superfly Disco’s offering – it’s been a while since hospitality like this was common in Brisbane. “There’s going to be a lot of people experiencing it for the first time,” says general manager Michael Pattison. “But once you come in as a normal patron and see someone else experience it, I think a lot of people will want to look ahead and put their name down to experience it themselves.”
Superfly Disco’s location on McLachlan Street might be considered hallowed ground by some. It sits in the heritage-listed building that was previously home to late noughties and early 2010s institution Alhambra Lounge, but a sizeable refurbishment effort has removed most traces of the venue’s old identity, replacing it with an aesthetic that is all about sound, colour and fun. Gold Coast-based Space Cubed Design Studio and Lowry Group have helped shape the nightclub’s impressive interior, which is divided loosely into sections. Enter through the main doors and proceed down a short flight of stairs and you’ll emerge between two key areas – on one side sits a cushy lounge space with curved leather banquettes and stools, while the other (dubbed the Record Room) is a semi-partitioned nook with red-leather couches and shelves of classic vinyl records on display (oh, and a drum kit suspended from the ceiling). Move beyond this portion and you’ll find yourself facing the custom light-up dance floor. You can’t miss it – its illuminated surface constantly shifts in hue and luminance, while a DJ booth (installed in the front end of a genuine Rolls Royce) lords over the gyrating masses next to a strip of roped-off booths. Superfly Disco isn’t shy about leaning into its throw-back influences. Disco ball-like mirrored surfaces reflect vibrant neon-lit (tongue-in-cheek) slogans, retro posters, cassette tapes and CDs adorn the walls, and murals of John Lennon peer down from above the bar. Even the bathrooms have been given a disco-inspired makeover! There’s a lot to take in, but if you feel a bit overstimulated by the lights and music you can step outside to the newly installed back deck for a breather.
While Superfly is targeting a more upmarket level of hospitality, it is still – at its core – a nightclub, one open to all. “It’s made for everyone,” says Michael. “You could go to Brooklyn Standard and see a band on Friday night and come here after and not be worried about fitting in with the crowd.” Those popping in on a whim can take in Superfly Disco’s bar menu, which includes a host of signature cocktails like the Juicy Fruit (vodka, peach, passionfruit, orange marmalade, lemon, sugar and pink grapefruit), the West Coast Poplock (tequila, bianco vermouth, passionfruit, lemon, orange and mango Hard Fizz) and the Midnight Lover (pink gin, lemon, pink grapefruit, Lillet Rosé, suger and raspberry). Beyond these creative concoctions, the bar also boasts a lengthy list of premium champagne and sparkling, as well as a solid selection of seltzers, wines and beers. Booths can also be booked online (or over the bar, if one happens to be available), where guests enjoy custom bottle service or opt for a pre-set package, with options available for the high rollers or the modest spenders simply looking to be pampered for a few hours. Certain packages can include welcome shots, bottles of ultra-premium spirits and magnums (1.5 litre), jeroboams (3 litres) and methuselah-sized (6 litres) bottles of champagne – all dispensed by your own booth attendant. As for the music, Kyle Weir of Queens has come onboard as Superfly’s entertainment director and is responsible for booking the venue’s roster of Brisbane DJs (who’ll be working with a top-of-the-line sound system) and curating the music. “The music at Superfly will be unique, yet familiar, with the main intent being to make our customers dance with no inhibitions,” Kyle informs us. “On any given night you’ll hear Kool & the Gang and the newest Purple Disco Machine remix, with fillers like Jamiroquai and Fat Boy Slim tracks.”
Superfly Disco is officially open to the public on Friday October 7 from 8:00 pm. Head to the Stumble Guide for operating hours and booth booking details.
