Heading north with blind optimism, a good sense of direction and a tent, three southerners embark on a search for salty skin and morning swims; clean living and individual expression. From the fast-paced world of Melbourne City – working in, representing and operating some of the country’s finest and highly awarded nighttime entertainment establishments – Sean Fremder, Simone Jenkins and Benny Roney were longing for a new venture in the more relaxed lifestyle option of Queensland.
Searching from Byron to Brisbane for the inspiration that would satisfy the challenge of bringing something culturally unique to the area, the trio stumbled across a derelict, third floor storage room; a rabbit warren of shelves and piles of junk in the heart of Surfers Paradise which held a very rare 5am cabaret licence.
In the make-over, more than 15 skip bins of concrete and debris were removed, walls were knocked down and supporting beams erected throughout months of gruelling labour by the three hands-on, determined southern ex-pats with a dream. This storage space succumbed to vision, TLC and determination to emerge as a sophisticated lady of the night in 2003. elsewhere was born.
today
Today, elsewhere as a physical venue has continued to evolve, from the recent unveiling of a second, upper-mezzanine level bar to the continual rotation of artwork and constant eclectic additions to the venue and its design.
2006 saw elsewhere nominated among the top seven nightclubs in Australia. 2007 saw elsewhere recognised as officially offering the best music in Australia. The same year also saw the nomination of owner-operator Benny Roney as one of the best venue operators in Australia and one of its key barmen, Mark Walker, nominated among the top bartenders in the country.
With the foresight and passion of its three hands-on owners, elsewhere continues to fill a niche in the creative social arena through not only its music, events and guests, but also through its design and visual aesthetics. This has also lead to the venue being actively sought after as a unique and diverse backdrop for various fashion shoots, such as for label Rufus Green, and music film clips for the likes of Sneaky Sound System and Mourning Tide.
tomorrow
elsewhere’s commitment to its guests and the community continues to be a focal point for the management and staff of elsewhere. 2008 sees a number of exciting possibilities for the intimate and kooky venue.
A new foray into the online world to extend the elsewhere experience is just one way in which elsewhere is continuing to foster its weekend family. Continual involvement with some of the biggest cultural events and music festivals around are already underway and elsewhere’s own branching out into the outdoor arena will also materialise in the new year.
Following elsewhere’s title of Best Music Offering in Australia (2007 Bar Awards), the new year will witness an upgrade to the elsewhere sound system and an increase in sound limits. Improvements to the overall quality and delivery of the service which has set elsewhere apart will also continue, always striving to provide a totally unique nightclub experience that focuses on communication and social mingling as much as the music and drink selection. 2008 will also herald the much-anticipated and innovative new cocktail list, crafted by head barman Pablo Millane. A restructuring of our loyal members is also in the progress.
elsewhere’s involvement with local designers, artists, universities and local industry authorities, as well as the support of home-grown DJ talent joined by the best of Australia and the world, will all continue as the backbone of the elsewhere ethos.
"It has been my extraordinary privilege to participate in the establishment of Elsewhere Bar in which no individual alone can claim responsibility for defining the diverse subculture which it has become. Profound credit goes to the many hands on deck, past and present, who have contributed to establishing this magnificent little room, and I can not thank them enough. Also for the amazing support that we have had from the community, local authorities, members and guests, and from fellow-industry stakeholders who have had so much to do with bringing vision, joy, creativity and festivity in a safe and homely setting, I give my unreserved thanks.
Please, if you have the time, take a look at the profiles of my partners and my staff on this website to get to know some of the truly gifted people who are to be bountifully credited for helping sustain the life-force of what was once a neglected storage space hidden above the street of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise."
